Perhaps you think painting or drawing will be boring, or that rock climbing is only for boys, or youth groups only for nerds. Or you just want to improve your swimming skills. All these and many other activities can be a fun way to help develop important values such as discipline, teamwork, responsibility and creativity, as well as build confidence.

Joining a specific club gives rise to opportunities for young people within an educational environment to participate in several activities.

These are widely recognised as a device to improve students' educational accomplishments by improving their self-confidence and encouraging social interaction.

Given the right coaching and enough support from schools, students gain a chance to join a variety of interest groups to nurture their talents and potential. They may be able to compete at a level in line with where their ability has developed. They get recognition for their achievements.

Often students achieve better academic results after taking part in extra-curricular activities. They are able to manage time better and be more focused during studies.

Extra-curricular events are becoming more diverse to include tae kwon do, jazz dance, archery and lion dancing.

To the impoverished student, the word work prefaced with the word voluntary is at first unlikely to tempt. But think beyond your immediate state, and more about your future. Voluntary work should be viewed much the same way as extra-curricular activities.

As well as testing interest and potential, being a volunteer serves others and gives you a taste of work environments. It also demonstrates initiative and a keenness to learn, and gives you experience - all good attributes that may give you bonus points when applying for a place at university or for a job.

Voluntary work takes many forms, including social services and activities with uniformed organisations such as the Junior Police Call Scheme, Hong Kong Scout Association and the Red Cross.

As members of uniformed groups or volunteers with social organisations, students will learn the importance of discipline, leadership skills and techniques of organising activities in a team.

All these activities provide an invaluable learning opportunity for students to experience and review themselves. Try as many as you can and at the end of each ask yourself questions: If you enjoyed it, what was it that made it enjoyable? If you did not enjoy it, what was it that you did not like? Did you learn anything from it? Use these opportunities to sort between your likes and dislikes - they will help you identify your goals, present new challenges and broaden your skill base. The more you try today, the more you will know tomorrow.