Fifty years of HKFYG Like all Hong Kong and all its people, The Federation has come a long way since laying its foundations in the 1960s. For over fifty years, the Federation has remained true to its vision and mission, continuously addressing the changing needs of young people through relevant services and initiatives to nurture young people to be responsible, dutiful and committed adults. We have grown both in size, as well as through a variety of initiatives and programmes on offer. The past five decades have seen us consolidating networks and patterns of exchange, reaching out through counselling and guidance, encouraging engagement, participation and volunteering, as well as nurturing creativity, leadership and education. We have also advocated policy and promoted research through a well established publications unit, while also diversifying services through the Internet. Attendance on our programmes now stands at over five million, with over 110,000 registered volunteers and 300,000 enrolled members in u21 youthnet. Today we thank every single one of you who has helped us take these steps. We hope you will join our celebrations later this year, at a Gala Dinner and a Charity Walkathon, walking forward together, with shared commitment to Hong Kong's young people. News Placement just begun for on-the-job-training programme with Select Service Partner Hong Kong Ltd HKFYG and the Labour Department's YPTP‧YWETS employment schemes co-organize this on-the-job-training programme with Select Service Partner Hong Kong Ltd (SSPHK). It is designed for youth aged 18-24 seeking careers in the food and beverage industry and a group have just begun work, enhancing their job experience, skills and qualifications, as well their employability. They will be responsible for serving customers and handling daily operations while learning about the industry. Training focuses especially on customer services, interpersonal communications and sales skills. Good performers will have the opportunity to become full-time employee of SSPHK. Call 3113 7999 for more details. Just published 18 plus on the move: a new issue of Youth Hong Kong explores the experience of growing up and civic engagement articles on   health and fitness stress and anxiety sex and family relationships crime and delinquency creativity and the arts plus   interviews with sociologists Lui Tai-lok and Lau Siu-kai exchange with young people in their twenties discussions with doctors and academics surveys on trends in social involvement and participation a retrospective look at the work of the Federation Email youthhongkong@hkfyg.org.hk to get a copy. New readers please register online at youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk HKFYG youth survey on the 2010/11 budget This Youth Poll no 194 was conducted in February and March. Among the 504 young people aged 15-34 who were asked for their opinion, the budget secured a bare pass, with 54.6 points out of a possible 100 for overall presentation. The performance rating given to the Financial Secretary was 57.1. Close to 70% thought the budget had not done enough to promote employment and 75% believed it to be inadequate for solving poverty problems. Over 75% said budget measures fell short of easing public concern about buying homes and nearly 74% said it had failed to make such purchases possible. Those polled expressed a strong wish for public housing, with over half (56.7%) saying that they would consider applying if there was a chance of success. More than a third (38.4%), said their first choice would be to opt for the subsidy scheme for first time home buyers if they were in a position to buy. A similar number (36.7%) said they would buy on the secondary housing market. A Chinese press release is at http://yrc.hkfyg.org.hk/chi/p194.html. Call Sharon, tel 3755 7039, for more information.   Many thanks to partners Sponsorship for Dragon Foundation's Golf Tournament at Mission Hills Golf Club The Dragon Foundation's Golf Tournament at Mission Hills Golf Club on Friday 30 April 2010 has received generous sponsorship both in cash and in kind. Sincere thanks go to three Cup Patrons, who have donated HK$100,000 each. They are Mr Ng Siu-fai and Mrs Gloria Ng (Jinhui Shipping and Transportation Ltd), Mr Eugene Chuang (Chung Nam Securities Ltd), and Mr Tony Ip Chi-shing (Yip's Chemical Holdings Ltd). Our Gold Hole Patron, who has donated HK$50,000, is Mr Christopher Lau. Donations in kind have been received from Mr Stanley Yeung, who gave bags and pins, Mr Tenniel Chu, who gave Kwanpen leather goods, Prince Jewellery & Watch and Golf Vacations Premium Golf Travel Magazine. Step Up, Take the Lead: successful performing arts community programme funded by Sai Kung District Council This large-scale voluntary community project included workshops and performances of dance, conjuring and martial arts. All HKFYG's Youth SPOTs in Tseung Kwan O district were involved, plus the Sai Kung and Wong Tai Sin Outreaching Social Work Team and the Extended Service for Young Night Drifters. Funded by Sai Kung District Council and supported by the Social Services & Healthy and Safe City Committee of Sai Kung District Council, other partners were the Social Welfare Department, the Sai Kung Rural Committee Sai Kung District Community Centre Jockey Club Integrated Services Centre, the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Jockey Club Tseung Kwan O Children & Youth Integrated Service Centre, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Hong Kong Sheung Tak Integrated Youth Service Centre and the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society Artiste Training Alumni Association, Jockey Club Tseung Kwan O Youth Square. The closing ceremony took place on 14 March and many young people who had taken part have reflected on the positive impact of the programme. Call Ken, tel 2997 0321 for more information. Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition at Hong Kong Science Park The Initial Judging of entrants to this stimulating competition takes place on 15 May from 9am to 5pm, followed by the Finals on 5 June from 9am to 1:15pm. Both will be at Lakeside 2 of the Hong Kong Science Park. We are most grateful to our sponsors and partners, the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Education Bureau, the Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Science Park for their continuing support. Contact Zhawnice tel 2561 6149. New membership offers from Conduct Chinese Medicine Clinic and Regal Oriental Hotel u21 youthnet members can enjoy various discounts on medical fees and medical services at Conduct Chinese Medicine Clinic from now until the end of 2010. Visit http://www.u21.org.hk/youthnet/premium/ccmc/ccmc.html for info about the offers and http://conduct.com.hk for info about the clinic. Enquiries: tel 3590 6681. From now until 31 May 2010, the Regal Oriental Hotel is offering u21 youthnet members a buy one get one free tea buffet plus 30 - 45% discounts for dinner buffets at their Café Neo. Enquiries and booking: tel 2132 3502. For details, visit http://www.u21.org.hk/youthnet/premium/neo/ For general enquiries about membership offer, please contact Marian Yeung, tel 3755 7074. Events Launch of Hang Seng Bank Leaders to Leaders Lecture Series Hang Seng Bank Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive, Mrs Margaret Leung, joined Prof Lap-chee Tsui, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Hong Kong, and Dr Rosanna Wong, Executive Director yesterday, Wednesday 14 April in the HKFYG Building Auditorium, to launch the 2010 lecture series. Call Rita, tel 21690255 for more details. Hong Kong 2010 International a cappella Festival drawing to a close The penultimate event in this tremendously successful festival took place on Tuesday 13 April at City Hall starring the A cappella Real Premiere. The culminating event will be the Rock Hard a cappella theatre, retracing Hong Kong's myths and legends on Thursday 22 April at City Hall Theatre, 8pm (Tickets $100, $200, $300). Tickets from URBTIX. Visit http://acappella.hkfyg.org.hk or call Kenneth, tel 3755 7070 for more details..