Youths in Hong Kong are confronted with a spate of challenges, including progressing to adulthood, transitioning to the workplace and adapting to the digital age. Many of them need support to find the courage and willpower to make positive changes. Promoting youth development will not only transform the lives of individuals but also help society build a stronger future.
Shape the world with youth talent
Youth is a period of uncertainty and change. In Hong Kong as a competitive city, transitioning to adulthood and to the workplace can be overwhelming processes for young people. And in the 21st century, there is also the additional challenge of transitioning to the digital reality. All these have a bearing on the well-being of the young generation.
A research study indicates youth’s optimism about Hong Kong’s future was rated at a mere 2.9 out of 10, while another study shows that over one third of youth aged 12-17 in Hong Kong did not view their future positively. According to a university survey, nearly 80% of secondary school pupils lack a self-identity. Another academic research published in 2023 found that nearly 25% of children and adolescents experienced at least one mental health issue in the preceding 12 months.
In the digital age, there are enormous challenges in keeping up with the pace of changes and engaging young people as shapers of the future. One report estimates that by 2030, 77% of jobs in the world will require digital skills. However, Hong Kong, as with the rest of the world, is facing a shortage of such skills.
All these issues point to the importance of youth empowerment, a dynamic process that aims to encourage youths to take charge of their lives and create a secure future for themselves.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club supports a range of youth-centric programmes that focus on fostering young people’s sense of control, agility and equipping with 21st century competencies. Scholarships, financial aid, apprenticeship opportunities and many other youth-led, co-created programmes are designed to enable young participants with diverse potential to thrive in a tech-enabled world. Feeling empowered and connected, the young generation will be able to enact solutions for themselves and the broader youth community, ultimately benefiting the wider society.
A research study indicates youth’s optimism about Hong Kong’s future was rated at a mere 2.9 out of 10, while another study shows that over one third of youth aged 12-17 in Hong Kong did not view their future positively. According to a university survey, nearly 80% of secondary school pupils lack a self-identity. Another academic research published in 2023 found that nearly 25% of children and adolescents experienced at least one mental health issue in the preceding 12 months.
In the digital age, there are enormous challenges in keeping up with the pace of changes and engaging young people as shapers of the future. One report estimates that by 2030, 77% of jobs in the world will require digital skills. However, Hong Kong, as with the rest of the world, is facing a shortage of such skills.
All these issues point to the importance of youth empowerment, a dynamic process that aims to encourage youths to take charge of their lives and create a secure future for themselves.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club supports a range of youth-centric programmes that focus on fostering young people’s sense of control, agility and equipping with 21st century competencies. Scholarships, financial aid, apprenticeship opportunities and many other youth-led, co-created programmes are designed to enable young participants with diverse potential to thrive in a tech-enabled world. Feeling empowered and connected, the young generation will be able to enact solutions for themselves and the broader youth community, ultimately benefiting the wider society.
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