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Equipping Youth in a Digital World

Technology has, quite literally, become a part of everyday life, whether for education, communication, business, trade, leisure or entertainment. Not only have we become
dependent on various digital tools to make our lives easier, we now realize that they are an absolute necessity in order to remain competitive and productive.

Young people especially need to be tech savvy. Therefore we call upon all our partners to help ensure that the youth of

learning opportunities that will help them succeed in the Digital Age.

In October 2003, the first Cyber S.P.O.T. of the Federation, located inside Tsuen Wan S.P.O.T., opened. It was a joint venture of the Federation and Microsoft Hong Kong. The Cyber S.P.O.T. offers free computer training courses to young people to enhance their employability. Furthermore, members can borrow notebook computer free of charge and go Internet surfing with the broadband wireless service.

With the growing trend of using the Internet as a platform for learning and communication among young people, the Federation launched the u21 website in January 2002 to provide useful information, services, news and benefit to youngsters around the clock. Youthline 2777 8899 also extended its counseling services through the Internet. E-mail counseling was offered. ICQ counseling was also implemented for some special projects such as the "Form Five Broadband 2777 1122".

Youth at World Summit on the Information Society

The World Summit on the Information Society organized by the United Nations brought together world leaders, business and representatives of non-profit organizations to address global issues concerning the information society from 10 to 12 December 2003 in Geneva. Young people aged between 14 and 28 were also invited to participate in the Youth Caucus of the Summit. They had the opportunity to participate in the core events, by speaking on official panels and roundtables.

International Digital Divide

The tables below show the international digital divide in terms of the number of personal computers in use per 100 people and the number of Internet users per 100 people in the year 2001.

Number of Internet Users (per 100 People)

Source : UN (United Nations). 2003. Millennium Indicators Database

Number of Personal Computers in Use (per 100 People)

Source : UN (United Nations). 2003. Millennium Indicators Database

The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) inaugurated its West Rail services in December. In order to allow commuters to familiarize themselves with the route and service, the KCRC made its initial rides on 16 - 18 December 2003. All the income obtained from the fares was donated to various charities. The Federation was one of the beneficiaries and is grateful to the KCRC for their commitment and
encouragement of young people in Hong Kong.

Choose the Top Ten Policy Issues of the Year

2003 was an eventful year. What will young people in Hong Kong rate as the most memorable news moment? The Federation has been invited by Wen Wei Po, Radio and Television Hong Kong, Sing Tao Daily, Metro Radio, China Daily (Hong Kong Edition), Economic Reporter, Bauhinia Magazine, Hong Kong Commercial Daily, Hong Kong Daily News, The Mirror, Asia Television, Cable Television and
Phoenix Television to co-organize the Selection of Top Ten

With sponsorship from the Kwun Tong District Council, young members of a youth band, along with volunteers of the Federation's Ping Shek Youth S.P.O.T., put their comedic and musical talents to the test. They performed in front of an appreciative audience on 27 and 28 December at the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre. Could this event have seen the birth of a future superstar?

New Year's Wishes of Young People

As 2003 came to an end, the Federation interviewed about 400 young people aged between 15 and 34 on their New Year's wishes. On the social level, not wanting SARS to return was the biggest wish. This was followed by the maintaining of public order. On the individual level, what youngsters wished for most was to be healthy and have a happy family life. Over half of the young respondents expressed that they were
happy or very happy with their lives. Read the details here.

A survey was conducted by Breakthrough from February to May 2003 during which 849 local young people aged 12-25 were interviewed. The survey found that among various relationships, young people were best able to communicate with their friends. Classmates, colleagues and family members came next. 45% of youngsters admitted to not having good communications with their families, while 16% of the respondents said that they lacked good communications with both families and friends.

70% young people are satisfied with the training and job nature of short-term youth employment schemes created by the Government, especially after the SARS outbreak.
While this large number thought that the schemes were meaningful, 40% of them reckoned that the experiences gained from such schemes might not enhance their
employability. 60% were not optimistic of finding a job in the near future. The Hong Kong Social Workers' General Union and the Hong Kong Baptist University interviewed 550 youth aged 16 to 23 in mid-December via questionnaires.

The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) Youth Assembly is an international youth think-tank. During the last week of January, young people aged between 16 and 25, from all over the world, will come together to discuss and analyze global problems including human rights, youth participations and youth employment. The outcome will be reported in the Action Papers, which are either implemented by the THIMUN Youth Network and other organizations, or

The final report of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on 2002 birth statistics revealed a decade-long decrease in teen birth rates in the United States. The most remarkable decline happened among young black teens between 15 and 17 years old. Their birth rate tumbled down to nearly half of what it was in 1991. The teenage birth rate in the United States is now at an historic low with 43 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 years. Click to find out more!