Latest news with #HongKongFederationofYouthGroups
RTHK
28-05-2025
- General
- RTHK
Federation urges engaging youths in rural conservation
Federation urges engaging youths in rural conservation The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups says more than 90 percent of young respondents view countryside conservation as vital for sustainable urban-rural development. Photo: RTHK The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups called on Wednesday for authorities to launch rural festivals and cultural exchange programmes aimed at deepening young people's engagement with countryside conservation efforts. This push follows a survey conducted by the federation that took in 534 residents aged 15 to 34. Its findings revealed support for preserving rural areas, with more than 90 percent of respondents agreeing that countryside conservation is vital for sustainable urban-rural development. "We can really feature the distinctive cultural and landscape features of Hong Kong countryside with a big event and these big events would boost diverse participation by the general public and they would see how countryside conservation has been happening,' said John Poon, deputy convener of youth development and engagement group. "No matter [whether it's] on the cultural side, economic side or environmental side, we hope that could really boost and raise public awareness and build a broad base of community engagement." He also suggested the government create a blueprint for sustainable urban-rural development and provide opportunities for young people to join the Advisory Committee on the Northern Metropolis, enabling them to share their insights on the city's future development. The study also found that approximately two thirds of the respondents think that countryside conservation is vital to local economic development. 'There are people who have been doing countryside conservation and cultural development," Poon said. "They can make use of the cultural heritage as well as some of the economic projects, which can be small and micro, but in the meantime, it can allow the village, the countryside to sustain itself with a little bit of economic development." "We also see that a lot of you believe this could be one of ... their employment options. "They can go back to the countryside and they could see some employment opportunities and avenues for them to contribute and they can have a stable job." Poon added that promoting awareness of countryside conservation not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens a window of opportunity for youths to explore Hong Kong's history and heritage.
South China Morning Post
12-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Nearly 30% of Hong Kong secondary pupils thought of self-harm, suicide: study
Nearly 30 per cent of Hong Kong secondary school students have thought about harming or killing themselves during the current academic year, a survey has found, with its researchers encouraging authorities to step up group counselling and therapy services for pupils. Advertisement The survey by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups also found that 63.5 per cent of the 2,665 students, drawn from 15 secondary schools, polled in the 2024-25 academic year had felt 'down, depressed or hopeless' in the two weeks before taking part in the study. Sandy Ma Pui-man, a supervisor with the federation, said 31.5 per cent of respondents had scored 10 or higher out of 27 in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which is commonly used to screen for depression, indicating the students had experienced mild to serious emotional distress. 'We think the situation is serious and quite worrying,' she said. 'Compared with one in seven adults and elderly people in Hong Kong who have mental health conditions, this figure is more serious.' The study found that 28.5 per cent of students had experienced thoughts of self-harm or suicide in the two weeks before taking part in the survey. Advertisement Five per cent of all respondents also said they had experienced such thoughts over a seven-day period, while another 5 per cent told researchers they had those feelings on a daily basis.
South China Morning Post
01-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Indonesian city considers China-style boot camps after youth crime surge
An Indonesian politician has proposed China-inspired military rehabilitation for youth facing difficulties amid an increase in juvenile delinquency in his area. Advertisement West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi said his idea of a voluntary military-style discipline programme in Depok city was inspired by China's youth reformation model, according to English-language newspaper Jakarta Globe. According to the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, mainland China mandates education and rehabilitation for misbehaving children in special correctional schools. This approach aims to tackle underlying issues like family dynamics and the school environment. Individuals aged 13 to 28 who commit minor offences may be placed in reformatories or work-study schools, focusing on education and vocational training. Some Chinese parents also enrol their children in camps that emphasise character development and provide military training Advertisement 'I've seen how China uses this method. The results are that children are more energetic, optimistic, and have a clear direction in life. This could be part of our future,' Mulyadi said on Friday.
