In 2015, the H.K.S.K.H. Tung Chung Integrated Services launched its 3-year Child Development Fund 2015-2018- “Sky Striker” programme. The programme included 3 key factors, including financial management, personal development and mentorship. It aimed to minimise cross-generational poverty by supporting the long-term development of children aged 10 to 16 who were form underprivileged families through the collaboration of families, private companies, the community and the government. On 24th June, 2018, a graduation ceremony was held at Novotel Citygate Hong Kong in Tung Chung. The Revd Stephen Hung, Priest-in-charge of the Church of the Ascension, and Ms Keung Choi-yin, Service Director of the Welfare Council, officiated at the ceremony, celebrating the successes of 100 graduates alongside 170 students, parents and teachers.
During the event, participants and mentors of the programme reenacted their achievements over the past 3 years, with “Recollection” as their theme. A student thanked the programme for giving him the opportunity to engage in diverse learning and to go on an academic exchange overseas, which he described as an eye-opening and confidence-boosting experience. Another student thanked his peers and mentors for their support and encouragement during the years, and for helping him set his life goals. One mentor said the programme taught him how to communicate effectively with young people—a skill that helped him improve his EQ and patience. The mentors and participants rounded up the session with a song to encourage graduating students to persevere, have faith and continue to reach for their dreams even during hard times.
At the event, Ms Keung Choi-yin, Service Director of the Welfare Council, presented awards to the 12 most outstanding graduates to commend them for their active participation in the programme’s training and activities. She also encouraged participants to dare to dream and to take their chances in the face of challenges. The Revd Stephen Hung, Priest-in-charge of the Church of the Ascension, presented an award to the best mentor-mentee pair for their mutual encouragement during their 3-year journey. In a speech, the students expressed their gratitude towards the organiser, sponsors, supporting organisations and mentors for helping them understand their interests and paths. Even when presented with challenges, social workers from the centre and mentors would provide assistance and encouragement to help the students identify their needs and prepare for the future. The mentors, on the other hand, thanked the centre for allowing them to accompany and grow with their mentees as they explore personal goals and directions.
Applications are now open for the new cycle of the Child Development Fund-“Sky Striker” Programme. The new cycle, themed “Dream Big, Fly High”, will run from 1st December, 2018 to 30th November, 2012 . Children and young people (aged 10 to 16) and potential mentors (aged 18 or above) may scan the QR code or apply directly at the Tung Chung Integrated Services. For more details, please call 2525 1929, or download the poster and flyer.
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