Young envoys lay foundations for a hospitable Hong Kong
With the Sars outbreak under control, Christine Cheung Sau-ying is one of 204 Hong Kong 'young ambassadors' who are now helping to revive the city's battered tourism trade.
'In order to promote Hong Kong to tourists, it is very important that we keep it clean and also learn more about Hong Kong so we can answer questions from tourists,' says Ms Cheung, 20.
It is all part of the 'Building a Hospitable Hong Kong' campaign running this month.
'As young ambassadors, we also talk to our friends and ask them to be hospitable and try to help tourists,' Ms Cheung explains.
Last Sunday, they distributed leaflets explaining the campaign along Nathan Road, in Causeway Bay and on the Peak.
And this weekend they will hit the streets again, which suits Ms Cheung fine.
'In being a young ambassador, not only can we do something for Hong Kong but we can also learn a lot about our country and meet many people through the various activities offered by the scheme.'
The next stage is to give talks and exhibitions at youth centres as well as secondary schools and universities to encourage schoolmates and friends to spread the message of hospitality.
In their spare time, the young ambassadors also visit various tourist spots to answer questions and provide information to tourists.
The Hong Kong Young Ambassador Scheme is jointly organised by the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.
It provides a three-week training programme during which the young ambassadors are taught leadership, teamwork and presentation and communication skills. They also learn about different aspects of Hong Kong such as its culture and heritage, social structure and infrastructure.
Applicants have to be 16 or over, studying in local schools or studying abroad in high schools or universities. The deadline for submissions is June 26.
