Underage "compensated" dating: internet risks underlined Almost every day now we hear about young people getting involved in drugs, but they are vulnerable in other ways too. Compensated dating has also been in the headlines. It emerged in Japan in the 1990s where it is known as enjo-kosai (援交), a euphemism for prostitution. It is common in Hong Kong, with one survey revealing 10% of secondary pupils believing classmates were involved, and an alarming 5% who said they would consider it themselves. The growth of compensated dating, where underage girls seek extra pocket money to buy fashionable accessories, is due in part to the internet, where websites and discussion forums are used for advertising by young girls, pimps and men in search of such services. The girls often don't realise that those who respond often want to do more than just go out on an innocent date. This emphasizes the need for both internet education and sex education. The Federation is deeply concerned and has projects coming up to help girls who might be at risk of such exploitation. *Survey conducted May 2009 by Hong Kong Association of Sexuality Educators, Researchers and Therapists. Sample: 2,966 F1-F4 & F6 students, reported South China Morning Post 28 June 2009 What's new Summer School at HKU for Effective Leadership This programme will open on 16 July 2009 at 12 noon with The Hon Mrs Laura M Cha, SBS, JP as keynote speaker. It runs till 25 July with 85 hours of intensive training for 110 participants. This collaborative effort of HKFYG and the University of Hong Kong, includes dialogue sessions with distinguished speakers and on-campus residence. Course fee HK$8,000. Contact Judy, tel 2169 0255 for more details or visit http://www.hkfyg.org.hk/leadership21/chi/activity_ all_ event_3161.html Talks on creativity at Hong Kong Book Fair The book fair talks are co-organized with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They target tertiary and secondary students, who want to enter the competitive world of business and communication. Guest speakers: Dr Ricky Szeto (司徒永富) Executive Director, Hung Fook Tong Holdings Ltd 22 July 4pm-5:30pm, on Creativity and business Mr Tin-lung Koo (古天農) Artistic Director, Chung Ying Theatre Co25 July 11.30am-1pm, on Creativity and communication Mr Siu Hak (小克) popular cartoonist and song-writer 28 July 11.30-1pm, on Creativity and art Venue: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Conference Room N106-108. Contact Brenda, tel 3755 7108 for more details. Hot dancing competition swings into action 74 teams enrolled for the 2009 HKFYG the summer dance competition and just yesterday 30 of them were selected for the preliminary competition on 25 July. It takes place at the end of Lockhart Road behind the Sogo department store. Go and see! Contact Michelle tel 2395 5753 for more information Project Rebook bazaar at HK International Education Fair This weekend, 11-12 July, Project Rebook will be having a collection drive and book sale at the HK International Education Fair, Hall 3 G, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre booths D27, 29. Contact Miranda, tel 3113 7999 for full details. Thank you partners Taking Step One with Adidas and Reebok A dedicated group of Reebok corporate volunteers plays 'Big Sister' to young girls at risk in this programme. They bring meaning and skills into their lives, with activities that include sports coaching, cooking, singing, and English. A bond develops between them and volunteers realize how they can contribute while the skills and self image of the vulnerable young girls improve. Reebok and Adidas have also given generous donations in cash and in kind. Phase II began June 2009. Ongoing till January 2010. Contact Edward, tel 2402 9230 for more information. Yahoo! working with us to beat drugs HKFYG eServices is collaborating with Yahoo! on a painted mural and online discussion forum designed to help combat drug abuse. HKFYG will host the forum for a year with a subsidy from Yahoo! to monitor discussion. If any untoward postings appear we will alert the HKFYG outreach teams for suitable follow-up. Call eServices, tel 2831 9183 or visit http://forum.u21.hk/viewforum.php?f=40. New membership offer from Regal Hotel From 1 July-31 Aug 2009 u21 youthnet members can enjoy 30-40% discounts for lunch and tea buffets at the Regal Oriental Hotel's Five Continents Restaurant, or 30-45% discounts for dinner buffets at the hotel's Caf