Organised by the Asia-Pacific Youth Development Foundation (AYF), the “DGen Impact Career Programme” (the DGen Programme) has successfully completed the first phase of its community internship program this year. The program successfully recruited and trained 25 students from nearly 100 applicants to participate in the training and community development experience, enabling them to exert a positive impact and build a promising future.
Through a series of value-based training and collaboration with various social institutions, the programme supports young people’s transition from education to employment. By recruiting students from diverse backgrounds, the program strives to narrow the achievement gap caused by different social conditions, promoting the all-round development of youth.
The trained students participated in various community projects, covering topics such as subdivided flat services, public design, mental health of the ethnic minorities, and frontline cleaners’ response to climate change. The DGen programme also attracted 12 graduates from the current HKDSE examination to join. HKDSE candidate JQ Li said, “This program has allowed me to understand the difference between being an intern and a service user, which has helped me recognize the challenges of the workplace earlier.”
Another HKDSE candidate, Angel Li, said, “This program focuses on exploring the personal dimension, allowing participants to fully understand themselves and realise that real work does not necessarily have to be rigid, but rather requires continuous improvement.” Another program participant, HKDSE candidate Rai Norah of Nepalese descent, said the program has made her deeply understand the importance of mental preparation in the workplace, and she has learned to overcome her initial nervousness.
Our project partner, Cassy Chan from the HKUST Mental Health Project Team stated: “It is an honour to be involved in this meaningful project, which provides valuable internship opportunities for young people from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Hong Kong. Over the past four weeks, students have gained frontline experience in community service through our program. I have observed a significant improvement in their skills and confidence. This project not only fosters their professional development but also promotes a more inclusive community.”
This programme is organised by the Asia-Pacific Youth Development Foundation (AYF), and funded by Operation Santa Claus (OSC). AYF is a registered charity in Hong Kong dedicated to uplifting youths from diverse backgrounds. OSC is an annual charity campaign jointly established by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). Its mission is to “encourage the spirit of giving love and care”. Through the combined charitable fundraising power of two of Hong Kong’s most respected news organisations, OSC provides a platform for uniting everyone in Hong Kong for a good cause during Christmas, and connects corporations, schools, and members of the public with charities serving meaningful causes. Over the past 36 years, OSC has raised over HK$383 million to support 353 charity projects, sharing hope, and enabling life-enhancing transformations to those in need.