Expressing the spirit of anniversary celebrations The 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China saw young people in Hong Kong express their feelings about strong bonds with the Motherland. In the same spirit, students who have been learning about developments and reform on the mainland during HKFYG's commemorative programme, presented their best wishes to the country's leaders via the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR. The students were mentored by pillars of the Hong Kong community and their gift of a presentation-boxed souvenir book and photograph album clearly acknowledges their attachment both to Hong Kong and the mainland. A group of respondents to a recent survey on this topic also reaffirmed such feelings while saying they were confident that they could effect change and were convinced that China will become stronger through education and the nurturing of talent, through democratic and economic development. See Just published below, for more details. What's new HKFYG nominees go to UK Youth Summit for Global Changemakers The British Council invited the Federation to nominate young people to attend the Annual Global Youth Summit for Global Changemakers to be held in UK from 15-21 November. Two of them, both participants in HKFYG's Hong Kong 200 programme, have been selected to represent Hong Kong and China. They are Tsui Lok-wai, a Form 6 student from PLK Vicwood KT Chong Sixth Form College, and Hui Man-sze, a 2nd year BBA (Law) student at the University of Hong Kong. There were over 1,000 applicants worldwide and just 60 were selected. Contact William, tel 2169 0255 for more details.   Just published HKFYG polls young people about their feelings for the Motherland A territory-wide telephone survey of over 300 young people aged 15-34 took place in April and May this year, asking them how they felt about their connection with mainland China. Nearly 80% said they believed they were able to help their country change, and over 70% said they loved their country. Books and various electronic media including the internet were their main sources of information about China but most said that their knowledge about the country was lacking, especially where policy, history and the judicial system were concerned. A Chinese press release with more details about the findings can be found at http://www.hkfyg.org.hk/yrc/chinese/yr-p185c.html. Call Sharon, tel 3755 7039 for more information. Youth Hong Kong new issue just published Education in China: for modernization, for the world, for the future This commemorative edition for the 60th anniversary of the PRC has: interviews with Professor Cheng Kai-ming, University of Hong Kong and Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung, President, Hong Kong Institute of Education observations from the Education Bureau on plans for the Pearl River Delta and HK as an educational hub glimpses of the work done by World Vision China in rural mainland communities voices of mainland students and other young people saying what they think about their education enlightenment from HKU's Professor Nirmala Rao & Dr Carol KK Chan on the Chinese learner and teacher today a new concept for China's independent schools outlined by Professor Anna Sohmen Pao & Warren Johnston, Executive Principal of the YK Pao School in Shanghai email youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk to get your own copy or register online at youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk Thank you partners Internet education campaign with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and 13 other partners The "Be NetWise" Internet Education Campaign, funded by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, has HKFYG as Central Coordinator working with 13 participating organizations to promote internet safety. These partner district coordinators are: Aberdeen Kai-Fong Welfare Association Social Service Centre Asbury Methodist Social Service Caritas Hong Kong Christian Action Friends of Scouting Holy Carpenter Church Community Centre Hong Kong Employment Development Service Ltd Hong Kong Children and Youth Services Hong Kong Family Welfare Society Salvation Amy St James' Settlement Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Community Services Division YMCA of Hong Kong For details of the large-scale activities including the internet safety talks, workshops, exhibition and home visits in the coming year please visit www.benetwise.hk or call to our hotline 39711000. Hong Kong Women's Choir supports outreach dance project in Tuen Mun Drug-Free Teen Dancing is the outreach programme being sponsored by the Hong Kong Women's Choir as part of the effort to help vulnerable young people resist drugs. This Youth Support Scheme project is for teenage boys from Tuen Mun who have been cautioned under Police Superintendent's Discretionary Scheme. They have street dance classes which promote positive self image and help them to get fit and healthy. Call Carrie or Pauline for more information, tel 2396 4711. Free tickets for the production of Soulmate by Chasing Theatre and iStage Tickets for this play, about the mystical powers of love, were kindly donated by Chasing Theatre and iStage so that young people from low income or CSSA families aged 16 or above could enjoy it. The play was on last Saturday in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre's Studio Theatre. Lego's Building Asia Brick by Brick with Sino Group and Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design The pre-event workshop and briefing for this exciting, creative, urban design competition took place last weekend at the University of Hong Kong. Building Asia Brick by Brick is sponsored by Lego and Sino Group, and is co-organised by HKFYG and Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design. We have professional support from the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Architecture and Ms Marisa Yiu, an Assistant Professor in the faculty introduced various design concepts from around the world to teachers and the 20 teams who have entered so far. Enquiries to Alice, tel 3755 7067. Recent events Leaders to Leaders 2009 last lecture of the season with Joseph Yam from the Monetary Authority Guest speaker, Mr Joseph Yam, GBS, JP, former Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority who retires this week, talked about the highly topical subject, Monetary and Financial Development of China, at this last lecture of the 2009 season on Wednesday 23 September at the Rayson Huang Theatre, University of Hong Kong. To find out more about this and forthcoming series, call Rita, tel 21690255.