In 2005, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust contributed 4 billion Hong Kong dollars to promote a 4-year Jockey Club youth nurturing plan called P.A.T.H.S. (the Plan) for all the secondary schools of Hong Kong. Collaborating organizations consist of a research team formed from 5 universities, the Education & Manpower Bureau and the Social Welfare Department. Through the process of developing the different potentials in youths, the Plan aims to affirm their ability, strengthen their connection with others, and build them up with healthy convictions and clear and precise values. The end result will be a holistic development for these young people.

The experimental phase of the Plan has already been carried out in over 50 secondary schools in 2005/2006. The full operating phase will commence in the 2006/2007 school year and participation is voluntary.

HKCS Participation

Our School Social Work Service launched the Plan's experimental phase for 2 secondary schools in the year 2005-2006. In order to nurture students into young people of high quality, we focused on 4 major areas of character building: self-worth, passion for learning, emotions control and positive values. Based on these 4 concepts, we came up with 4 series of activities: 1) Strengthening learning intelligence, 2) Affirming positive values,3) Expanding emotions horizons, 4) Improving self-esteem.

We also set up parents/teachers training workshops to work hand-in-hand with these series.

1. Strengthening learning intelligence
   Through "I CAN", a series of adventure-based training activities to challenge the self, students were able to create chances for success, which leads to an increase of self-confidence and sense of efficiency. Four sessions of "Secrets to Brain Power" helped students to master effective learning skills and elevated their motivation to learn. Visits to universities gave students a better idea about their future road to learning and filled them with hope.
2. Affirming positive values
   Students were given a chance to examine their personal values through experimental theatre. Small group discussions on topics based on SEARCH (self-discipline, endurance, accountability, respect, caring and honesty) and applications to daily life were conducted. These exchanges helped students see how important one's personal values was towards individuals, schools, families and society as a whole, and inspired them to put positive values into practice accordingly. Visits to Shun Lee Hostel and the New Voice Club of Hong Kong as volunteers gave them a chance to hear life experiences from the elders and the ostomates. The students expressed that they understand the value of life even more after the visit.
3. Expanding emotions horizons
   Small group activities were used to reinforce students' understanding about emotions. By changing their mode of thinking, students were able to handle their emotions much better. Through street interviews, students had the rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about how different people deal with their emotions.
4. Improving self-esteem
   Six basic requirements for self-respect were being brought out through workshops: self-reflection, self-acceptance, self-accountability, self-endurance, life goals and holistic personality. Through a series of activities, students learned to respect themselves. They indicated that the activities in the mountains at night were very helpful in improving theirself-confidence.