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The participants of "Strive and Rise Programme" set off excitedly early in the morning for Chengdu, embarking on a five-day study tour of Sichuan.

Students selected meaningful gifts for their mentors on Jinli Ancient Street.

Students expressed their gratitude to the guests for their support with a dance performance at the welcome dinner.

Guests took a group photo with all the participants at the welcome dinner.

The officiating guests engaged in friendly conversation with the students, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Guests and students enjoyed the renowned traditional face-changing performance at Shu Feng Ya Yun Opera House.

The students experienced the excitement of sports at the Sichuan HKJC Olympic School and engaged in learning exchanges with local students.

The team visited the century-old Chengdu YWCA, where they learned about its longstanding contributions to community service and development initiatives in the region.

The visit to the Wenchuan earthquake site in Yingxiu Town revealed the destruction and loss caused by the disaster, prompting reflection on the harsh reality of natural catastrophes and deepening the participants’ appreciation for the value of life.

The students were deeply immersed in the technological atmosphere of the Sichuan Large Aircraft Science Museum, where they learned about the core strengths and developmental history of China’s aviation technology.

Through a visit to Sichuan University – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club, students learned how disaster education is implemented in China to build a safer homeland for future generations.

The students visited the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda to learn some fun facts about panda.

YWCA organises "Strive and Rise Programme" Sichuan study tour ignites a journey of enlightenment and growth

2025.08.22

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enews

Sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and organised by YWCA, the "Strive and Rise Programme" Sichuan study tour brought together 96 grass-roots youths for a five-day, four-night exploration of Sichuan. This cross-regional exchange not only exemplified the tripartite collaboration between the government, the business sector and the community but also highlighted YWCA’s commitment to actively support young people in broadening their horizons and building self-confidence.

Early in the morning on the day of departure, Hong Kong International Airport buzzed with youthful energy as participants set off in high spirits. The group of junior secondary students, many of whom live in subdivided flats, embarked on a journey to discover the multifaceted charm of Sichuan through on-site experiences. Highlights included the face-changing performances at Shu Feng Ya Yun Opera House, the smart city blueprint at the Chengdu Planning Exhibition Hall, cultural heritage sites of the Three Kingdoms era and the production base of domestically manufactured large aircraft. The tour seamlessly blended millennia of civilisation with cutting-edge technological innovation. At the Shu Feng Ya Yun Opera House, participants had the chance to touch the gold-thread embroidery of traditional costumes. At the Commercial Aircraft STEM Museum, AR technology transformed aviation principles into projections at their fingertips, providing an immersive experience that soared far beyond textbook learning.

A welcome dinner was held for the students attended by Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Ma Cong, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Sichuan Province; Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Yvonne Yeung, Chief Executive of YWCA, and other guests, including five mentors from The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mr. Sun expressed gratitude to the Club for its efforts and contributions to the "Strive and Rise Programme", and encouraged participants to make the most of the exchange opportunity. He noted that such experiences would serve as a valuable asset for their future development.

Mr. Tam highlighted the Club's commitment to empowering youth from diverse backgrounds in realising their potential, becoming proactive citizens and contributing to society. The Club also sought to cultivate their sense of cultural identity and pride in the nation. He noted that the Club allocated HKD 1 billion to support various post-disaster reconstruction projects after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. By visiting two of these projects – the Sichuan University – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, and the Sichuan HKJC Olympic School, the young people gained valuable insights into the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts and talent development initiatives.

Ms. Yvonne Yeung also emphasised the significance of this journey, expressing her hope that participants would embrace the experience with gratitude and share the knowledge they gained with others to help co-create a better future. She extended her heartfelt thanks to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for its generous sponsorship and her sincere appreciation to local and Mainland authorities, as well as Chengdu YWCA, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of the study tour.

During the five-day trip, the 96 participants’ diverse journey weaved in historical sites and technology exhibitions. From the ancient wisdom of Dujiangyan and the urban planning blueprint of Chengdu, to the life education inspired by the Wenchuan earthquake and the ecological insights gained at the giant panda base, each experience served as valuable nourishment for their personal growth. Among all the activities, the visit to the Wenchuan Earthquake Memorial Site left a particularly deep impression. Survivors shared firsthand accounts of the destruction and casualties caused by the earthquake, allowing the participants to truly grasp the harsh realities of natural disasters. A moment of silence and a flower offering ceremony were held at the site, encouraging the younger generation to respect life, cherish what they have, and cultivate a spirit of gratitude.

On their return journey, students expressed deep gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club and YWCA for organising the trip, noting that the experience had been immensely rewarding and broadened their horizons. Some participants shared that, although they once viewed contributing to society as a distant concept, they now feel inspired to give back in the future. They aspire to uplift others, just as their mentors have done for them, and hope their mentors will appreciate the Sichuan-themed gifts they thoughtfully selected.

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