Team Building Workshop for Young Executives

In November, the Information Technology Department of Morgan Stanley invited Leadership 21 to tailor-make a one-day team-building workshop for its staff. Through stimulating experiential games, exercises and thought provoking discussions at the Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp, participants learnt new and effective ways of cooperation and communication that were immediately applicable to the workplace. The session was well received, with one participant, Michael Cheng, exclaiming afterwards,

"This was the best team building event I have ever experienced! I highly recommend this effort and thank you all for your efforts."

Apart from leadership training for student leaders, Leadership 21 also provides tailor-made training programmes for young executives. If your organization is interested in holding leadership development workshops and seminars for your staff, please do not hesitate to contact the Supervisor of Leadership 21, Mr. James Mok, at 2169 0255. The Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp of the Federation, with its modern facilities, offers the perfect venue for staff training of businesses and
corporations. Click here to learn more about this exciting campsite!

Teachers and Students Need to Broaden their Global Perspective

Hong Kong defines itself as a cosmopolitan city. However, a survey has revealed that both teachers and students in Hong Kong had very little interest or knowledge of international issues when compared to their counterparts in Shanghai. The survey interviewed 1,287 secondary teachers in Hong Kong and Shanghai via questionnaires in early 2003. 21% of Shanghai respondents reported that their students were interested in international issues, while the percentage of

The 6th International Youth Leadership Conference
While it has been highlighted above that the knowledge and interest of Hong Kong young people towards international issues is rather low, there is one way this can be remedied. The 6th International Youth Leadership Conference aims at giving the next generation of world leaders a forum in which to showcase their leadership skills. The conference is about the encouragement of global citizenship and an understanding of the most important international issues we face today. From 4 to 9 January 2004, over 160 students aged 18-24 from all over the world will gather in Prague, Czech Republic and participate in unique simulations of real-world organizations, role-playing characters in powerful international positions. The simulation activities will be accompanied by field trips, site visits and guest lectures. Click here to learn more about this wonderful event.

An Alarming Picture of Teenage Health in the UK
The British Medical Association has warned that teenagers in the UK are facing a health time bomb. Drug abuse, smoking, unhealthy diets, underage sex and binge drinking are leading to deteriorating teenage health. For example, obesity affects 1 out of every 5 15-year-olds, while psychological problems such as anorexia and depression also beset one fifth of all adolescents. Similarly, almost a fifth of 15 and 16 year-olds will have taken an illegal drug in the last month, while a quarter have acknowledged smoking in the past week. The Association recommended that the UK should invest more in health services targeting the needs of adolescents.

The leadership training courses of Leadership 21 have been very well received and now, over 380 secondary schools – over 75% of the total number of secondary schools in Hong Kong – have nominated their student leaders, like head prefects, presidents of student unions and chairpersons of clubs and societies, to participate in the various Certificate Courses offered by Leadership 21. During the year 2002-03, a total of 1,339 participants were recruited for the Certificate Courses for youth leaders.

To broaden the horizon of budding leaders, short courses conducted by well-known figures, such as Sir T.L. Yang, along with Dialogue Sessions with Policy Makers are also organized. Other services of Leadership 21 include leadership training for gifted students commissioned by the Education and Manpower Bureau and tailor-made courses for businesses, universities and other organizations.

The experience of Leadership 21 lays solid foundation for the future success of the Leadership Institute. Visit Leadership 21's website to learn more.

Stories of Young Leaders
Do not underestimate the power of young people. Around the world, many are taking active leadership roles and making a difference to their communities. The Young Leaders page of the UNICEF website shares some of the most inspiring success stories of children who have shown true leadership skills and potential. Abigail Manglicmot Fabrigas, for example, a 17 year old from the Philippines, showed great care about the plight of street children. Highly articulate and intelligent, she is now actively involved in an international campaign called "Say Yes for Children" to improve and protect the lives of children worldwide. Ryan Hreljac, a Canadian teenager, established a foundation when he was only 10 years old aiming at providing clean fresh water for children in Africa. Click here to read more moving stories of young leaders.