YWCA Career and Life Development Service Team shared the practices of the Association and exchanged ideas with different stakeholders in CLAP for Youth@JC 2020 conference. 

The Association’s social workers hosted two sessions in the Sharing Corner. “More Than One Role: Career and Life Development for Young Mothers” introduced the Association’s “Own Your Life” programme, which has been launched in respond to the finding that youth mothers’ low education level and lack of supporting network restrict their opportunities in the job market. Other than assisting young moms to secure a job, the programme can further help the users to realise their potential and plan for the future. Representatives from Mother’s Choice, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong and Caritas-Hong Kong also exchanged experiences in the talk, hoping to foster a friendly environment for young mothers. 

"Start Up a New Me" shared how the Association’s Y.E.S. service has supported young businessmen and expanded their social network with experience sharing, training, legal and business consultation. Besides, founder of Vegan Fitness and director of Deborah Jewellery shared their self-searching process in their own businesses.      

Stories of six of our service users were displayed in the Showcase session. They had been lost because of factors like financial burden, family expectation and culture background. By taking part in vocational courses, work experience programmes, community promotion events etc., they realise what interest them the most and hence have a concrete goal to work for. To know more about the young people, please visit https://clapconference2020.o-interactive.com/en/showcase/ (prior registration is required). 

With the end of Phase I, it is the Association’s pleasure to be invited again to join Phase II of CLAP for Youth@JC, another 5-year project commenced in September 2020. The project aims to foster a sustainable ecosystem by bringing together the education, business, and community sectors to smoothen the transition from school to work for all youth.