Providing Opportunities
In Hong Kong, the growing gap between the rich and poor is widening. The Federation has always been concerned about this issue, particularly in relation to its effects on young people and their prospects for the future. We are pleased, therefore, that the Chief Executive addressed this issue in his latest Policy Address.

One of the most detrimental effects of being disadvantaged, especially among young people, is the sense that there is no way out. It is therefore essential to reassure these vulnerable youth that their current predicament is not permanent. However, this should not simply be through charitable handouts, which reinforce dependency. Rather, this should be through the provision of opportunities, in education, in training and in employment.

The Federation, therefore, encourages the Government to follow through with initiatives, which support participation in, for example, skills and knowledge based training programmes, which enhance the possibilities for social mobility and offer hope for the future to currently disadvantaged youth.

Kenji: early Cyber S.P.O.T. trainee
The Federation opened the first of its 18 Cyber S.P.O.Ts last year, with generous support from Microsoft Hong Kong Limited. These learning centers will be set up across the city over the next 3 years, bringing free information technology training to underserved people. Kenji, who had already been a Youth S.P.O.T. member for some years, heard about it from his friend Daniel who worked with Microsoft. Kenji became one of our first trainees and he shared his experience at the programme's launch last November.

The Federation's Cyber S.P.O.Ts - known by Microsoft as Community Technology Learning Centres (CTLCs) -make hardware, Microsoft software and training available free of charge in the communities they serve. 21 year-old Kenji completed one of the first courses offered during a pilot project at the Tsuen Wan S.P.O.T. and now shares his technical expertise with young people via the website (www.mcplace.com) he maintains with his friend Daniel - a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional). Together with a number of other partners they spend several hours a day offering free technical advice in this way and providing updates on online resources to young people. Kenji knows how important it is for all young people to become computer literate and the two friends hope to extend their co-operative work with the HKFYG's Cyber Volunteer Net.
'Through this train-the-trainer programme, we want to instill the value of giving back to society and encourage people to rise above their personal limitations,'Alex Huang, Greater China's regional director for Microsoft.

There are already links from their website to Youth S.P.O.T. amateur dramatic activities and they are planning a youth discussion forum on computer related questions and the promotion of other Federation programmes. Kenji is also in the process of completing the National Computing Centre NCC International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies as well so he is very aware of the golden opportunity the Cyber S.P.O.Ts represent to young people. It has cost him a lot to do a commercially run course and he says:
'Any young person from a low-income background would value highly the chance to join one of the Cyber S.P.O.T courses. They are a golden opportunity.'

Applying for a Cyber S.P.O.T place involves taking a test. Kenji found it simple enough but other applicants were from a range of different backgrounds, including school drop-outs and teenage students. Although there was some disparity of in their experience he thinks that the course, Manage Windows Server 2003, was flexible enough to suit all.

Kenji, who works during the day helping a kindergarten with its computerized administration, has been a Tsuen Wan Youth S.P.O.T. member for some years. As a teenager, he took part in drama activities, team sports and Federation camps but when the Cyber S.P.O.T opened it was ideal for his career. This is a good example of how services we offer to youth can cover the gamut from leisure activities to career planning and support, helping young people develop their potential over a wide spectrum.

For Kenji, his experience with the Federation has encouraged him not only to share his skills within his community but has given him the ambition to do voluntary work with young people. Why? He has seen how the collaboration between HKFYG and Microsoft makes computer technology accessible to young people who would otherwise be deprived of essential life skills. Till his ambition can be realised he is busy sharing his knowledge, answering questions, solving puzzles and giving back what he has already gained.
'My experience of HKFYG services has so inspired me that now I want to do volunteer work with youth, offering those from disadvantaged backgrounds a way forward, opening a door to a future career as well.'