Cross-cultural exchange on youth empowerment
“International Conference on Youth Empowerment: A Cross-cultural Exchange” organized by the Department of Applied Social Studies (SS) on 17 May. Over 300 practitioners, scholars and students in social services from 34 cities in 14 countries flocked to CityU to share their findings and experiences in youth empowerment studies and initiatives at the conference that lasts until 20 May. Hong Kong is fundamentally of Chinese culture, but it also has received many ideas from all over the world,” Professor Chang said. “There is no better place than Hong Kong for experiencing cross-culturalism.” Hong Kong youth. “At home, youth depend on parents and domestic helpers; at school, they rely on teachers and social workers, and in the community, on the Government,” he explained. “We have to break this pattern. Youth are the leaders today. They can be empowered,” he added. The conference, he said, could help continue the youth empowerment movement. As one of the initiatives to fulfill this mission, at the opening ceremony Dr Choi launched a post-conference website jointly developed by SS Department and the Commission of Youth, the YouthEmpower Web (Y. E. W.). “We hope to continue the kind of networking and connections we built here via the information highway,” he said. Hong Kong , the conference provides an opportunity for experts and professionals from different countries to learn how they have empowered young people to become responsible adults. He was
particularly impressed by the presence of a significant number of student participants at the conference which he described as “a true testament of our commitment to youth empowerment”. Mr Tang also looked forward to more new ideas and stimulation at the conference to help further improve youth services in Hong Kong . Hong Kong in appreciation for their generosity. But equally important, Professor Ng added, “the conference brings people of different cultures, disciplines and professions to one place to intensify and broaden the cross cultural learning experience of CityU students and guest students.” Tsinghua University , the conference was inspiring. “This is the first time I’ve learned about youth empowerment, as there are not many scholars in this field on the mainland,” he said. “This conference enables me to develop a better understanding of the concept and discover its social impact on youth.” Hong Kong . The closing of the conference will be marked by a Cultural Night on 20 May during which participants from different countries will stage numerous cultural performances.
An exuberant lion dance symbolizing the spirit of youth, power, strength and vitality marked the opening of the