Concern for the younger generation: a new year, a new decade There has been much in the papers about the so-called 'post-80s generation'. Termed 'vexed', 'lost' and even 'angry', these young people, ranging in age from 20-29 have suddenly come under intense scrutiny after their participation in the New Year's Day protests. While some commentators have focused on disillusionment and frustration, others have highlighted a positive emergence of social and community awareness. In fact, the Federation, through its programmes and activities, has often found this 'post-80s generation' creative, informed, globalised and much more willing to volunteer than the previous generation. However, we cannot underplay this generation's genuine sense of frustration on various fronts. As we enter a new year and a new decade, We hope all who have an interest and concern for young people, will think openly and constructively about how their energy and enthusiasm might be channelled into something positive, for the sake of the entire community. News Youth Hong Kong's birthday issue now in circulation Cultivating a culture of confidence is the main thrust behind the views of experts in English: using it or losing it, which completes Volume 1 of the journal. It features interviews with Prof Amy Tsui, HKU, Prof Kingsley Bolton, City University, Ms Regina Ip, Savantas Policy Institute and Mr Grant Butler, British Council. Also included is a special report on school drug testing with Prof Daniel Shek, Action Committee Against Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, Commissioner for Narcotics, and Ms Audrey Eu, lawyer and Legco member. Info for sponsors and advertisers from Andrey 3755 7041 Read online at youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk or email youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk to get a paper copy. Chinese Painting Workshop at Youth SPOT 21 HKFYG's Xu Bei Hong Art SPOT 21 will have a Chinese Painting Workshop on Sunday 17 January, 1500-1700, in the HKFYG Building's Room 801. It is free of charge and is aimed at primary school pupils. Contact Rex, tel 3755 7021, to sign up or to obtain a new prospectus for the Centre for Continuous Learning at SPOT 21. It includes courses for dental clinic assistants, learners of occupational English and Putonghua, tour guides and investors. Latest HKFYG survey released: What do youth fear about using English? Over 90% of the respondents to the survey conducted by HKFYG's Youth Research Centre said that they wanted very much to improve their English. Over 85% said good English would give them a sense of superiority. Nevertheless, they rated their English skills at only 5.3 on average, on a scale of 0-10. Nearly 42% said they didn't seek opportunities to speak English, and another 37% were afraid of communicating with native English speakers. Other major findings reinforced these reported attitudes and included lack of confidence (26%), fears about poor vocabulary (24%) and about being mocked for making mistakes (19%). This territory-wide telephone survey of over 500 young people aged 12-29 took place from 12 October to 3 November 2009. Note: Figures have been rounded to the nearest whole number. For full details of this Youth Poll, series no 190, contact Sharon, tel 3755 7022 Press releases for the poll can be found at http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/english/yr-polls-190e.htm (in English) http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/chinese/yr-p190c.html (in Chinese)   Many thanks to partners First sponsors for 2010 Raffle Campaign This year's HKFYG charity raffle is in aid of our new Youth Wellness Centre. The centre will be geared to help young people kick addictions to online media, drugs, smoking, gambling and so on. With rising trends in these afflictions, we need you more than ever. Thank you to the following partners for starting the ball rolling: Adler Jewellery and Oriental Watch for their cash donations ctf2 Jewellery and LEGO for their prize donations Conduct Chinese Medicine Clinic for accepting our invitation to host a donation box If you can help us, please download a donation form from http://partnership.hkfyg.org.hk/eng/pdf/HKFYG_Raffle_ Ticket_2010.doc Contact Brenda, tel 3755 7102, for details of partnership options. e-print sponsors information leaflet for HKFYG school 18,000 leaflets about the HKFYG Lee Shau Kee Primary School, with details of the curriculum, facilities, teaching team and school sponsoring body are being distributed to visitors, parents and community members during the school's open class this week, courtesy of e-print. Many thanks to the company for supporting the school's efforts. Contact Iris, tel 3755 7107, for more information. HKCEE Tactics Seminar and College Experience Tours at HKU's SPACE The seminar, for about 400 F5 students taking Chinese, English and Maths at HKCEE in 2010, will be on 9 January at the East Kowloon campus of the University of Hong Kong's School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE). Visit http://www.27771112.hk/talk/ f5talk2010 for more information about this and other Federation F5 Broadband Project support for HKCEE students. F5 students will have the chance to visit other college campuses as well this month, including the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Hong Kong Community College and the Vocational Training Council. Visit http://www.27771112.hk/talk/university_experience for more information. Call Julia at the Youth Counselling Centre, tel 2788 3433, for details. Events Christmas Mini Concert courtesy of the Chief Secretary On 12 December, about 100 youngsters gathered at Victoria House, the residence of Chief Secretary, Henry Tang, on the Peak. They came from low income or ethnic minority families, and some were mentally or physically challenged. It was a really rare event for them, and was coordinated by HKFYG. Musicians from the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts played wonderful, festive music, and the young people shared an informal banquet with the CS. There was very positive feedback from all involved, especially the young, few of whom have ever had such an opportunity to meet a well-known member of the community on a very enjoyable occasion. Youth Companion: a drug awareness programme with Kwai Tsing District Council and Kwai Tsing District Fight Crime Committee The finale for this anti drugs and mentorship programme was on 19 December at Cafˆm 21 in HKFYG's HQ. Sponsored by Kwai Tsing District Council and jointly organized by the Kwai Tsing District Fight Crime Committee, the HKFYG Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung Outreaching Social Work Team, and the HKFYG Youth Support Scheme, Youth Companion builds a caring community network for high risk youth and young drugs abusers. Mentors include former young drugs abusers, businessmen and police officers. Training workshops, visits to drugs centres, an adventure-based counselling camp and drug awareness group sessions all featured, helping participants to formulate a workable plan for their future. Please call Anna or Wilson at 2487 6151 for more information.