The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

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Aimed at all those who are interested in young people, their problems and concerns, hopes and aspirations, Invest in Youth, share stories, information and news. We welcome you your suggestions and comments, but ask you also to take the time and see how you might be able to join us building up partnerships. Please show your support by joining our mailing list to receive Invest in Youth every week.

Making Youth Participation a Reality
Voting is one sure way of demonstrating civic responsibility and as Hong Kong prepares to go to the polls for the District Council elections next week, we sincerely hope as many young people as possible will exercise their franchise.

However, there is more to youth participation in community affairs than only voting. Youth participation means that young people should be provided with as many

opportunities as possible to become involved in decisions that affect them at individual and systemic levels. I believe that one of the greatest impediments to fully and active participation of young people in community affairs is the attitude of adults. Sometimes we do not see young people as having the skills and talents to make a useful contribution. This is, in my opinion, a false understanding of the potential of young people.

While understanding that there are numerous challenges in involving young people, I do think that participation is possible. It must include a serious and sincere process of inclusion. It also requires an honest assessment of the limitations that are placed on young people from becoming fully involved, while also seeking ways by which to rectify this condition. As we forge into the 21st Century, I encourage all sectors of society to make room for young people to participate.

Spreading the Message of Environmental Protection
As a result of a funding from the Environment and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Campaign Committee, our Tin Shui Youth S.P.O.T. launched a project called "Green Journey" to raise the awareness of young people to environmental protection. Through a series of nature tours, games and activities, youngsters learnt more about nature and wildlife in a fun filled way. On July 27, 246 teenagers helped plant trees on Lamma Island, thereby contributing first-hand to the importance of nature conservation.

Experience Exchange between Hong Kong and Shanghai Youth Workers
The Federation has been collaborating with the Shanghai Youth Federation on professional exchange for a long time. Every year, a number of youth workers in the two cities would attach at each other's organization to exchange experience and practices in social work. This year, the Federation warmly welcomes 4 youth workers from Shanghai who will set off for work attachment in Hong Kong in late November.

The Hon. Mrs. Rita Fan to share Insights on Facing Adversity
As the old saying goes, "we grow through adversity." Unfortunately, when faced with a problem some young people would choose to run away from it. They can now benefit from the following course. Leadership 21 of the Federation successfully invited The Hon. Mrs. Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, President of the Legislative Council, to share her personal insights on overcoming adversity. For 4 consecutive Monday evenings starting from November 10,

Mrs. Fan would exchange ideas and experiences with 30 young leaders on facing adversity, problem-solving skills, conflict resolution and leadership qualities. Check out the inspiring course here!

11.2% Hong Kong Teenagers have Suicidal Thoughts
11.2% of teenagers in Hong Kong were troubled with suicidal thoughts, a study conducted by Reader's Digest revealed. Among those adolescents seriously considering suicide, 64.3% were females. Many respondents mentioned family pressure, school and relationship problems as the main causes of suicide. The survey also compared teenagers aged 13 to 19 in Taipei, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The percentage of teenagers having suicidal ideas in Taipei and Shanghai were 27.7% and 11.3% respectively. The report was released on October 30, 2003.

Bringing Environmental Education to the Community
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is working hand in hand with the Hong Kong Institute of Education, two mainland universities and five secondary schools to bring
environmental education to the community. They are planning to build a green farm of 1,800 square meters in Tuen Mun. Teachers and students will then have a taste of
farm life and plant paddy, vegetables and herbs.

Hong Kong Students under Stress
97% of Hong Kong secondary students have already experienced some degree of stress two months after the beginning of the new school year, a survey of BRAND's
Health Education Fund conducted during October 2003 revealed. Academic performance and future prospects are the two main causes of stress in students' lives. 78% of the students agreed that stress increases health problems, including tire, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting.

One-third Canadian Teens do not Describe Themselves as Healthy
According to the data gathered from the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey, one in three Canadian adolescent rates their health as no better than "good". 29% of the teen correspondents report having a chronic health condition such as asthma, back pain and bronchitis. Specialists point out that teenagers are dealing with increasingly complex problems and it is affecting their health as they face more stress. Get more information!

Youth to build Bridges of Cultural Understanding
On December 8 to 11, over 250 youth delegates around the globe will participate in the World Youth Festival 2003 in Manila, Philippines. The theme this year is "Youth
without Barriers." Youth participants will have the opportunity to take a floor and share their ideas, knowledge, and experiences on issues ranging from literacy building to free flow of information. It is hoped that cultural understanding and respect can be fostered through their interaction. Visit its website here.

Youth Literacy Rates
Education is an essential prerequisite for empowerment and participation of young people. According to the 2003 statistics of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the literacy rate among young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in Hong Kong is 99.4%, indicating that most young people in Hong Kong have the capability to make meaningful contribution in social participation.

The following table shows countries with 99.8% or higher literacy rates of young people aged 15 to 24 in the year 2003.

Country	Literacy Rate (%)	Country	Literacy Rate (%)	Country	Literacy Rate (%)
Ukraine Armenia Barbados Belarus Croatia Cuba Cyprus Greece	99.9 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8	Guyana Hungary Italy Kazakhstan Korea, Republic of Latvia Lithuania Martinique	99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8	Poland Portugal Republic of Moldova Russian Federation Singapore Slovenia Spain Tajikistan Trinidad and Tobago	99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8

Source: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Statistical Yearbook

***Youth Participation***

Youth Speak Out
Voices of Youth, an online discussion forum developed by UNICEF, allows young people around the world to speak out and share opinions on global issues. Some of the
posts are very sophisticated. A teenager in Singapore wrote, " To all those teens and youths who have been told to shut up and keep quiet about sensitive issues, to heck
with the social norms. Keep your opinions strong and continue to let your opinion be heard." View the electronic discussions. You will be amazed by the maturity of young
people's insights.

Ensuing Sustainability of Youth Participation
Youth participation is an initiative widely acknowledged, but rarely given full implementations. In the article "Youth Participation in Hong Kong: Ensuring Sustainability", Dr. Rosanna Wong identified six challenges of youth participation that have particular resonance in Hong Kong, thereby suggesting ways to ensure the sustainability of youth participation. The six challenges are the concept of time, superficial "tokenism", attitude of adults towards young people, attitude of young people themselves, pressure to show results and limited representation. Read the
article now and take a closer look at the issue!

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