Guide Hong Kong’s young people away from street politics and towards constructive engagement

Jose Alvares says the city needs to do a better job at offering opportunities to its young people, which will give them a deeper connection to society

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Disqualified pro-independence legislators Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Baggio Leung, seen outside a court last month, have been charged with unlawful assembly and forceful entry over an attempt to barge into a Legislative Council meeting last November. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:32pm, 10 May 2017Updated: 7:25pm, 10 May 2017

Disqualified lawmakers Sixtus Baggio Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching were arrested last month over unlawful assembly. Whatever the verdict, it was painful to see young talent being thrown away in such a fashion.

By all accounts, their behaviour was not acceptable and should not go without proper reprimand. However, we should also consider whether society in fact shares some of the blame.

Youth is in part defined by the pursuit of an identity, which in turn is influenced by our surroundings.

So the question is, has society not been failing youngsters like Joshua Wong Chi-fung, who have been taught that a contribution to society is best made by throwing bricks rather than putting them together?

So half of our youth want to leave Hong Kong? We need to make sure they have reasons to stay

In the recently released Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia 2017” list, there are seven youngsters based in Hong Kong out of the pool of 300 winners (from all walks of life). Given Hong Kong’s small population, this demonstrates the abilities of Hong Kong youth, when they’re given the opportunity to explore and grow. Unfortunately, their inspiring feats, as well as others who escaped the media attention, remain overshadowed by the disruptive antics of a rowdy minority.

Guide Hong Kong’s young people away from street politics and towards constructive engagement

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Jose Alvares says the city needs to do a better job at offering opportunities to its young people, which will give them a deeper connection to society

Jose Alvares says the city needs to do a better job at offering opportunities to its young people, which will give them a deeper connection to society