This Web Page is updated on 2008-06-20 8:59

Undoubtedly, youth face great challenge when they go through “school to society” transitional period. It may even generate an adverse effect on youth development if they fail to breakthrough from obstacle.

In recent, it is estimated that around 40,000 non-engaged youth aged between 15 and 19, who are unemployed or dropout from school (Commission on Youth, 2003). They are facing the problem of “socially withdrawn”, “de-motivation”, “losing self-direction” which contribute to their fixation in “precontemplation” stage.

LET'S Walk - Life Engagement Training Service was specifically designed for all non-engaged youth aged 14 to 24 in 2004. LET'S Walk II was later launched in 2006 in order to develop a "advanced service model". It was until 1 st August 2007, LET'S Walk is funded by "The Community Chest of Hong Kong" to extends the service for another 2 years. It provision aims at providing a complete and effective intervention model. The service carries four specific goals:

  1. To reconnect "socially withdrawn" youth with society.
  2. To establish "persistently tracking" system to identify "dissociated" youth facing social exclusion and to help motivate change.
  3. To rebuild self-confidence through equipping non-engaged youth with skill and experiences and to provide opportunities for a smooth transition to meaningful engagement.
  4. To set up a supportive network and environment.

LET'S Walk includes eleven core programs offering differentiated and integrated service to youth. All youth in LET'S Walk will be appointed a personal advisor (registered social workers) to help them identify their goals and set directions. Personal advisors, will also be available to support them when they make important decision on their path and reconnect with the society for meaningful engagement. According to youth's different stage of "motivation" and specific need, this service provide tailor made , a one-stop and diversify services and training for the youth. The eleven core programs and system are:

Dynamic Hotline
A hotline welcomes all family members, teachers of the non-engaged youth to phone in for suitable services.
Home-based counseling service
A home-based counseling team delivers out-reach services to non-engaged youth, who lack motivation and direction, especially to those who are socially withdrawn and stay at home for months. It aims at helping them to reconnect with the society.
"Dissociated" youth mint track system and Whole Hearted Team
A persistently tracking system to identify "dissociated" youth facing social exclusion and to help motivate change.
Path Creation
It provides various activities and training courses to widen the exposure and identify interested path. It also equips clients with skills in targeting areas of development.
Back to School
The program assists those who had quit school to gain a second chance of receiving their formal education.
Go to Work
Initiates on-job training services, equips youngsters with essential skills required by the marketplace.
Life planning station
It helps youth to establish own career path during the "school to work" transition period.
Job experiential World
A system provides 2-3 days practical job experience for the youth to have real understanding of different work place.
Parent Alliance
The program enhances mutual support among parents facing similar challenges.
Fans Club
To develop positive peer support network through activities including adventure, music, sports, arts and volunteering activities.
Youth Motivating Fund
Provides incentives and financial assistance to enhance goal-achieving motivations.

Under a declined economy in Hong Kong, the young people leaving school unqualified and remaining unemployed have come into a very tight bind of personal development with many restrictions. The programs initiated under LET'S Walk are positive solutions to the disadvantaged situation for these youngsters. It provides opportunities and exposures for them to reenter our society equipped with confidence and skills.

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