YMCA “Foundation of Youth Self-Realisation Scheme” Fully Funds Aspiring Young People to Pursue their Dreams and Promote Social Inclusion
Open for application soon
Many young people struggle to realise their dreams due to limited resources. Our “Foundation of Youth Self-Realisation Scheme” aims to support ambitious and driven young people in carrying out socially impactful projects. This year, a seven-member team of secondary and university students formed a volunteer team and successfully secured HK$20,000 in funding through this initiative. Between January and August, they implemented the “Tsuen Wan Inclusive Accessibility Project “, which included workshops, community visits, and human library sessions. These activities allowed participating primary, secondary, and young adult participants to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of people with physical disabilities. The team also gathered feedback to compile a proposal for the Tsuen Wan District Council, suggesting improvements to accessible facilities within the community.
Focusing on wheelchairs, participants personally experienced navigating Tsuen Wan’s parks, shopping centres, and footbridges in wheelchairs, allowing them to understand the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users. The volunteer team facilitated various experiential activities and community visits alongside the participants, gathering suggestions for improvements. A culminating exhibition was held on 17 August in Luk Yeung Sun Chuen, Tsuen Wan, featuring two individuals with physical disabilities who led a wheelchair basketball experience and shared their difficulties using community facilities. This event showcased their potential, resilience, and advocacy for improved accessibility.
The volunteer team is currently drafting a proposal for the Tsuen Wan District Council, outlining three key recommendations – improving signage, door weight, and mirror angles in accessible park toilets; adjusting the functionality of footbridge lifts; and enhancing signage and facilities in sports centre toilets. The team commented: “Thanks to the YMCA Foundation of Youth Self-Realisation Scheme, we were able to bring our project to life, raising awareness of social inclusion and encouraging the public to offer support to people with disabilities in their daily lives.”
The YMCA “Foundation of Youth Self-Realisation Scheme” welcomes applications from young people aged 18 to 35, either individually or in groups of 2 to 4. Each project is eligible for a maximum grant of HK$50,000 (reimbursed based on actual expenses). Workshops are also available to help applicants develop project planning and execution skills, empowering young people to address societal needs through action.
YMCA Continues to Host the Odyssey of the Mind Hong Kong Regional Tournament
Originating in the United States and with a history spanning over 45 years, Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational programme often referred to as the “Olympics of the Mind.” Since 2017, YMCA has been the official organiser of the Hong Kong Regional Tournament, and each year, we leads the winning teams to the United States to compete in the World Finals.
Through participation in the competition, students not only enhance their problem-solving and communication skills, but also develop leadership abilities and broaden their global perspectives. This year, the tournament introduced a new “Student Village Model” for the first time, using Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village as the competition base. This initiative helps participants adapt to the international competition atmosphere, reduce stress, and immerse themselves in the experience.
2026 Hong Kong and Macau Regional Tournament
The next Odyssey of the Mind Hong Kong and Macao Regional Tournament will be held in February next year. Schools and students interested in participating are welcome to visit our website for more information and registration: https://ymca.org.hk/om/
YMCA Fully Supports the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th National Games
Our representatives attended the commissioning ceremony for the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th National Games on 14 September. Led by Ms. Jessica Shiu, Assistant Chief Officer and Convenor of the YM Volunteer Working Group, a contingent of our adult and youth volunteers demonstrated our strong commitment to supporting this meaningful initiative.
In response to the large-scale recruitment drive for volunteers conducted by the government between July and September 2024, the YM Volunteer Working Group Secretariat coordinated applications from our members, receiving over one hundred submissions encompassing volunteer leaders, adult volunteers, and youth volunteers. Following interviews conducted by us and assessment by the Games organisers, over 60 adult and youth volunteers were selected.
The chosen volunteers have completed online and in-person training, meeting the Games’ requirements, and have been officially appointed as Games volunteers. They will support various roles during the 15th National Games and the National Games for Persons with Disabilities between November and December this year. These roles include ceremonial support, spectator services, accreditation, competition support, crowd management, ticketing, and systems support. We thank all our volunteers for their enthusiastic participation and look forward to them showcasing their skills during the Games, contributing to the success of this major sporting event and promoting a culture of volunteering.
"Hong Kong Disneyland Magical Junior Dance Party”
In August, 20 children from our Shek Kip Mei Centre and Hin Keng Centre were invited to participate in the “Hong Kong Disneyland Magical Junior Dance Party”, part of Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary – an exciting and inspiring experience offered a journey of discovery and ignited their potential.
Led by professional Disney dancers, the children explored various musical styles and performance art forms, learning the choreography for the 20th-anniversary parade. The highlight of the event was a surprise appearance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, sparking cheers and wide-eyed excitement as the children experienced the magic of Disney firsthand.
After the workshop, each participant received park tickets, allowing them to enjoy a day at Disneyland with their families and create lasting memories. One parent commented: “We’re so grateful to Disney for organising this event. The staff were fantastic with the children, offering encouragement and support that helped them try new things. It was wonderful to be part of such a special experience.”
This event was more than just a dance class; it was an inspiring journey that ignited creativity and sparked dreams. We will continue to collaborate with Disney, nurturing a love of the arts in children and encouraging them to shine on the creative stage.
Non-Chinese Speaking Parent Ambassador Scheme
Funded by the Education Bureau, our Brilliant Multicultural Centre ran the 2024-2025 Non-Chinese Speaking Parent Ambassador Scheme. This initiative aimed to empower ethnic minority parents to become community bridges, facilitating the dissemination of educational information within their communities. The programme ran from March to August 2025 in areas including Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, and Shek Kip Mei. 30 enthusiastic ethnic minority parents completed the intensive training, workshops, and meetings to become fully-fledged Parent Ambassadors, ready to serve their communities.
Following their training, the Parent Ambassadors have already reached 194 non-Chinese speaking parents, sharing information about the Education Bureau’s learning and Chinese language resources, offering parenting advice, and disseminating vital community information to help families access educational support. A celebratory review gathering was held on 30 August 2025 at Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School, including an inspirational talk, presentations by the Parent Ambassadors showcasing their achievements, a certificate presentation ceremony, cultural performances, and a social gathering, creating an uplifting and enjoyable afternoon for all involved. The event concluded successfully, with the Parent Ambassadors proudly posing for photos with their families.
Youth Pi @ Kwun Tong - Life Planning and Career Development Scheme 2025
Organised by the Kwun Tong District Office and our Lam Tin Centre, the “Youth Pi @ Kwun Tong -Life Planning and Career Development Scheme 2025” successfully ran from July to September 2025. The programme offered Kwun Tong youth a series of career development workshops, job shadowing opportunities, and work placements. This year, over 100 young people participated, with support from more than 20 companies and organisations, including Cathay Pacific, Towngas, MTR Corporation, and several of our own YMCA divisions such as The Cityview, The Harbourview, and the Integrated Medical and Allied Health Services Department, providing invaluable workplace experience and broadening the participants’ horizons.
A sharing session showcasing the scheme’s achievements took place on 6 September 2025 at HKU SPACE, Kowloon East Campus. Distinguished guests included Ms. Priscilla To, JP, Director of Home Affairs; Mr. Denny Ho, JP , Kwun Tong District Officer; Mr. Cheng Keung Fung, Chairman of the Youth Committee under Kwun Tong District Council; Mr. Cheung Ki Tang, MH, Vice-chairman of the Youth Committee; Mr. Jerry Chong, Chairman of the Kwun Tong District Youth Community Building Committee; as well as representatives from participating companies and organisations, and principals and teachers from participating schools, who joined the young people to celebrate the scheme’s success. In addition to remarks from the guests, participating students shared their experiences and insights, where they spoke about gaining a deeper understanding of various industries’ practical operations, experiencing firsthand the joys and challenges of the workplace, and developing a clearer vision and better preparation for their future careers.
As city dwellers who often work overtime and frequently perform repetitive motions, we are more susceptible to joint pain or sports injuries that can affect our quality of life. The Association’s Health Care Professions Department is launching a regular monthly column and publishing short articles about self-care. Topics covered will include arthritis, joint pain and self-healing. For more detailed health-related information, please visit our website: hcp.ymca.org.hk or call 2783 3616for inquiries.
“Elbow Pain? Watch Out for Tennis Elbow!”
Tennis Elbow, medically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a condition caused by overuse of the forearm extensor muscles. Repetitive strain can lead to small tears and chronic inflammation of the tendons near the outer elbow. This condition is common not only in tennis players but also in individuals who frequently lift heavy objects, use a computer mouse, cook, or perform repetitive household tasks.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
- Increased discomfort when lifting objects, wringing a towel, or shaking hands
- Reduced grip strength or a feeling of weakness in the forearm
Recommended Home Exercises:
- Wrist Extensor Stretch
With your palm facing down, gently pull the wrist downward using the other hand. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 3 times.
Wrist Extension Strengthening
- Do 30 reps, 5–7 times a week.
- Start with no weight, then progress to 1–3 lb dumbbell/water bottle
- Step-by-step Directions:
- With palm facing down, bend your wrist up as far as possible
- Hold for 1 second, then slowly lower over 3 seconds
- Begin without weight until you can do 30 reps
- Once you can perform 30 reps on 2 consecutive days without pain, start using a 1 lb weight/ approximately 500ml water bottle
- Follow the same steps to gradually progress up with weight
Tip: Do not let the weight pull your hand down too quickly.
Stop the exercises if sharp pain occurs and consult a registered physiotherapist for professional advice.
Copyright © 2025 Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, All rights reserved.
