2008-2009 Activities
#1
International Convergence 2010
International Convergence – The Crucible of Culture has finally ended! The 22nd Executive Committee has been able to uphold the successes of their predecessors through this activity, and this year’s International Convergence let many glorious moments unfold. Although the past month may have been the busiest yet for OSArs and non-OSArs alike, the EXCO, along with this year’s Organising Committee, has reason to be proud.
This year’s International Convergence was themed “Traversing our Flat World”. The eighty participants who took part in the scheme were split into eight groups which were assigned one of the following countries: Russia, Spain, Mexico, Thailand, India, South Africa, Israel and Germany. The programme spanned over three weeks and included three main days and over eighteen cultural sessions, rounding off with a closing banquet at the end.
This year’s activities were aimed at creating a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and globalisation through experiencing the customs of different countries. Three guest speakers were invited to come and speak to the participants over two days. A special word of thanks to Prof. Gordon Matthews from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the asylum seekers from Chung King Mansions whom he brought along – our participants were able to better understand the difficulties many asylum seekers face and learn about cultural conflicts through their interactions with the asylum seekers; Prof. Desmond Hui from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who gave a very informed talk on globalisation; and Mr. Lee Scott, who allowed everybody to actively practise cultural diversity through an enjoyable interactive session.
The newly introduced Booth Session also proved to be a remarkable success. Participants designed stalls of their own, created booth games, informative leaflets or even made food for everybody to try. In the end, prizes were given out to booths based on aesthetics, creativity and the ability to inform. Moreover, a prize was also awarded to the group with the highest participation rate in the session.
There was a wide range of cultural sessions this year. The participants naturally felt a stronger sense of belonging to their assigned country after these events, which included a visit to the Consulate General and an interview with the consul-general, dance sessions, cooking sessions, temple visits and even language learning sessions.As a closing ceremony of the programme, a banquet was held on 30th November 2008. All participants were dressed in formal attire and gathered at the Regal Oriental Hotel. A grand parade of national flags took place to signal the commencement of the banquet. The parade symbolised peace among countries and promoted the message of international cooperation and convergence of culture. Also, each group gave their final presentations about their experiences throughout the scheme and displayed their performing talents. It was a memorable night on which the fruits of the International Convergence were displayed.The 22nd Executive Committee would hereby like to thank everyone who took part in making our project a success. We would like to thank the Consulate Generals of our eight countries, participating schools, members of the Organising Committee and our Advisors.
Day 1 Workshop
Date : 8th November 2008 (Saturday)
Venue : Diocesan Girls' School
Time : 14:00 - 18:00
Time |
Programme |
13:45 |
Registration |
14:00 |
Introduction of Programme by Persons-in-Charge; Introduction of the 22nd Executive Committee, Ambassadors and Members of the Organising Committee |
14:30 |
Ice Breaking Games |
14:50 |
Introduction of Guest Advisors from various societies |
15:00 |
Sharing Session with Guest Advisors Topics to be discussed: “Basic Facts about Country”, “Unique Customs” and “Current Issues in the Country” |
15:30 |
Mass Game |
16:20 |
Activity on Cultural Diversity |
17:05 |
Introduction and Preparation of "Cultural Experience Week" |
17:15 |
Debriefing and Evaluation |
17:45 |
Photo-taking and Dismissal |
Day 2 Workshop
Date : 16th November 2008 (Sunday)
Venue : Diocesan Boys' School (Hall)
Time : 14:00 - 18:00
Time |
Programme |
13:45 |
Registration |
14:00 |
Introduction to Day's Events |
14:15 |
Speech by Guest Speaker on Linguistics |
14:45 |
Language Learning Session with Exchange Students: Basic vocabulary and sentences in the language of their assigned country. |
15:30 |
Mass Game |
16:50 |
Speech by Guest Speaker |
17:10 |
Introduction and Preparation of "Cultural Project Week" and 'Day 3" |
17:30 |
Debriefing and Evaluation |
17:30 |
Photo-taking and Dismissal |
Cultural Experience Fortnight
(10th November 2008 - 23rd November 2008)
During the Cultural Experience Fortnight, each group was given an invaluable chance to experience the cultural practices of its country. Each group participated in or visit three activities/sites of interest to experience the country's culture. Those activities included visits to mosques and temples, local dance and music sessions or cooking cuisine native to the country. In addition, each group visited the consulates of their respective countries and interview either the Consul or Consul-General.
Cultural Project Week
(24th November 2008 - 28th November 2008)
During that week, participants had prepared for a booth which was set up on Day 3. They were also required to prepare a presentation that had taken place during the banquet in front of all participants, ambassadors, executive committee members, as well as representatives from respective consulates. These provided channels for the participants to share with others what they had experienced during the "Cultural Experience Fortnight" and showed the others in what ways their respective countries were unique.
Day 3 Workshop
Date : 29th November 2008 (Saturday)
Venue : Diocesan Boys' School (Hall)
Time : 14:00 - 18:15
Time |
Programme |
13:45 |
Registration |
14:00 |
Introduction to Day's Events |
14:10 |
Mass Game |
14:40 |
Drama Session Part I: Preparation |
15:10 |
Drama Session Part II: Showtime! |
16:00 |
Setting up of Booths |
16:30 |
Booth Session |
17:30 |
Cleanup of Booths |
17:45 |
Debriefing and Evaluation |
18:00 |
Photo-taking and Dismissal |
Closing Banquet
Date : 30th November 2008 (Sunday)
Venue : Oriental Ballroom, Regal Oriental Hotel
Time : 18:00 - 22:00
Time |
Programme |
18:00 |
Registration |
18:15 |
Small Parade of Countries and their flags |
18:30 |
Introduction of Guests from Consulates |
18:40 |
Presentation |
19:30 |
Dinner and Photo Slideshow |
19:45 |
Banquet Game |
20:00 |
Sharing Session by Group Ambassadors |
20:30 |
Video Show of Booth Day |
20:50 |
Closing Ceremony This entails presentation of certificates, presentation of plaques to guests, group photos and closing speech by Persons-in-Charge |
21:10 |
Closing Game |
21:40 |
Photo-Taking and Dismissal |
Sponsor:
CJR Education Centre
Supporting Consulates in Hong Kong:
Ms. Victoria I. Prokhorova
Vice-Consul
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the HKSAR
Mr. Frank Burbach
Consul
General German Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Amikam Levy
Consul General
Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong
Ms. Ernie Yuen
Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations Department
Israeli Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Hector Eduardo Huerta Nava
Acting Consul-General
Mexican Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Juan Luis Flores Arroyuelo
Consul General
Spanish Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Vichai Varasirikul
Consul General
Thai Consulate in Hong Kong
Ms. N. Tambo
Consul General
South African Consulate of Hong Kong
Mr. Hem. K. Jain
Consul for Information and Consular
Consulate General of India in Hong Kong
Supporting Cultural Societies in Hong Kong:
Ms. Blasco-Garcia, Rocio
Head of Spanish Section
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
Univeristy of Hong Kong
Ms. Ratana-ubol, Kanokwal
Head of Thai Section
School of Modern Languages and Cultures
University of Hong Kong
Mrs. Zieger
German teacher from German Swiss International School
Mr. B.S. Rana
General Manager
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts
Students from the Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong:
Mr. Amparo Aracil Pujalte
Mr. Anil Verma Rodriguez
Mr. Frank Darya
Mr. Damane Refiloe
Ms. Urvashi Barooah
Ms. Alexeeva Katja
Supporting Cultural Sites in Hong Kong:
Mr. Bawa Singh Dhillon
Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple
Mr. Klaus Walter
German Speaking Catholic Church in Hong Kong
Wat Dharmakaya Hong Kong
Speakers
Professor Gordon Mathews
Anthropology Department
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Professor Desmond Hui
Department of Cultural and Religious Studies
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Mr. Lee Scott
Private tutor for English and test admissions
Other Supporting Parties
Diocesan Boys’ School
Diocesan Girls’ School
Queen’s College
St. Mary’s Canossian College

#2
Volunteer Training Scheme 2009
The Volunteer Training Scheme was successfully held from 7th February 2009 to 21st March 2009. It was indeed a fruitful experience for all participants and the Organising Committee. Not only did they enjoy the process of serving those in need, they also spread their happiness to the elderly and children they served, leaving cherished moments in each of their hearts.
Holding onto the belief that passion is crucial when serving others, the 22nd EXCO themed this year’s Volunteer Training Scheme with a made-up word “Passiton”, meaning to pass it (passion) on. The participants undoubtedly showed their passion towards the needy and treasured each and every opportunity given to them. Moreover, the newly introduced element of continuity lifted the Scheme to another level, where participants are encouraged and given adequate chances to continue to serve those who are less privileged after the official closing of the Scheme. This unprecedented feature certainly enriched the participants’ experience in this project.
There are altogether five days for this project, namely the Orientation Day, Adventure Day, Volunteer Day, Pledge Ceremony, and Closing Ceremony. One of the most anticipated and rewarding day was the Adventure Day. During the day camp, participants were provided with opportunities to refine their leadership and problem-solving skills through the adventure-based activities. Eighty participants, who originally came together as total strangers, began to know each other after the day. The training surely enhanced the future collaboration between participants in planning their own Service Project.
Throughout the whole scheme, six guests were invited to deliver speeches and host workshops. Heartfelt gratitude must be given to Mr. CHEUNG Benny, who talked about how to become a selfless volunteer; Mr. PANG Pik-ming and Miss LAI Yuet-ngo who gave a comprehensive workshop on volunteerism and planning of volunteer services; Mr. TAI from Wofoo Social Enterprises for teaching out participants the basics of a social enterprise; Ms. LEUNG Doreen, for encouraging our participants to serve others as well as our dear ones at home; and Ms. MOK Fung Yee for giving all our participants encouragement for their roads ahead.
The event would not have been made possible if it were not for the tremendous support from Chan Hing Social Service Centre and HKFYG Ching Lok Kindergarten. During the two-month programme, participants were divided into two big subgroups – one serving the elderly and the other serving the children. Apart from joining services organised by the Organising Committee, they also gained hands-on experience in designing their very own service plans. Planning services was novel to many of our participants and as seen from their in-depth presentations and reflections during the Closing Ceremony, they have benefited from this Scheme.
The 22nd Executive Committee would hereby like to thank everyone who took part in making Volunteer Training Scheme 2009 such a great success. We hope that everyone will live out the VTS spirit: to serve with passion in your heart!
Programme Rundown
Orientation Day
Date: 7th February 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 14.00 – 18.00
Venue: Hang Seng School of Commerce
Time |
Programme |
13.30 - 14.00 |
Registration |
14.00 - 14.15 |
Welcoming by President and Introduction of VTS and PICs |
14.15 - 14.45 |
Ice-Breaking Games |
14.45 - 15.30 |
Creation of Group Names |
15.30 - 16.00 |
Seminar |
16.00 - 17.15 |
Mass Game |
17.15 - 18.00 |
Introduction and Discussion of Service Projects |
18.00 |
Photo-Taking and Dismissal |
Adventure Day
Date: 8th February 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 08.00 - 18.00
Venue: Lamma Island HKFYG Campsite
Adventure-Based Counselling
Service Project (Stage 1)
Date: 14th February 2009 (Saturday) - 21st February 2009 (Saturday)
Venue: Chan Hing Social Service Centers
Volunteer Day
Date: 15th February 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 14.00 - 17.00
Venue: Diocesan Boys' School
Time |
Programme |
13.30 - 14.00 |
Registration |
14.00 - 14.30 |
Seminar by representative from social enterprises |
14.30 - 15.00 |
Mass Game |
15.00 - 16.00 |
Workshop by social worker on serving the elderly and children |
16.00 - 16.30 |
Discussion on group Service Projects |
16.30 - 16.45 |
Briefing on Pledge Day |
17.00 |
Photo-Taking and Dismissal |
Pledge Day
Date: 22nd February 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 14.00 - 17.00
Venue: Hang Seng School of Commerce
Time |
Programme |
13.30 - 14.00 |
Registration |
14.00 - 15.15 |
Presentation of Service Projects proposals |
15.15 - 15.45 |
Address by Guest of Honour, Ms. Doreen Leung |
15.45 - 16.00 |
Pledge Ceremony |
16.00 - 16.30 |
Mass Game |
16.30 - 17.00 |
Briefing on Service Projects (Stage 2 to Stage 4) and Closing Ceremony |
17.00 |
Photo-Taking and Dismissal |
Service Project (Stage 2 to Stage 4)
Date: 28th February 2009 (Saturday) - 14th March 2009 (Saturday)
Venue: Chan Hing Social Service Centers, HKFYG Ching Lok Kindergarten
Closing Ceremony
Date: 21st March 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 13.30 - 18.00
Venue: Diocesan Boys' School
Time |
Programme |
13.00 - 13.30 |
Registration |
13.30 - 13.45 |
Address by President and PICs |
13.45 - 14.45 |
Sharing sessions by participants |
14.45 - 15.00 |
Seminar by Guest |
15.00 - 15.15 |
Presentation of Certificates and souvenirs |
15.15 - 17.15 |
Parting Game |
17.15 - 17.30 |
OCs and Ambassadors sharing session |
17.30 - 18.00 |
Photo-Taking and Back-writing |
18.00 |
Dismissal |
Target Group
Participants should:
- be Form 2 or Form 3 secondary school students in Hong Kong;
- have a high degree of social awareness;
- demonstrate initiative in taking up social responsibilities;
- have a passion for serving the community; and
- be enthusiastic, responsible and prompt.


#3
Hong Kong Youth Summit 2009
Introduction
Acting as a platform for the youth to exchange views on socio-economic issues, the Hong Kong Youth Summit aims to inspire participants to develop critical thinking skills as well as political standpoints. This will be achieved through a series of meetings and discussions held during the programme. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of current issues, participants will also attend talks delivered by government officials or experts, plus interviewing professionals and experienced politicians. Thus, students will be able to tackle current issues from different perspectives and put forward resolutions. Past speakers at the Hong Kong Youth Summit include Mrs. Rita Fan Hsu Li-tai, Mr. Michael Suen Ming-yeung, Professor Arthur Kwok Cheung Li and the Honorary Audrey Eu Yuet-mee.
With a well-established reputation as a world-class cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong faces the inevitable question of sustainability and continual progression of her present status. Bearing the theme “Blueprint the Future”, it is hoped that participants will be able to formulate balanced views on present policies, and suggest practical yet creative plans as blueprints for the future of Hong Kong. Such proposed plans will not solely focus on the economic advancement in Hong Kong, but also the improvement of the community in the environmental and social aspect.
Participants will be divided into several Leadership Groups which represent different social groups in our society. Participants will discuss current issues during commission meetings and voice out the views of their assigned social group. The proposed resolutions will be debated and voted on in the Final Summit, which is a simulation of a Legislative Council meeting.
Details of the Summit
Leadership Groups
• Low-income Group
• Middle-income Group
• Small and Medium Enterprises in Hong Kong
• Big Companies practising corporate social responsibilities
• Environmental Activists
• Local Residents
• Professionals
• Foreign Companies in Hong Kong
• Government 1
• Government 2
Commission Groups
• Education
• Economy
• Media
• Environment
• Social Welfare
• Tourism
• City Planning
• Creative Industry
Interviews and Excursions
Participants will visit or interview organisations or guests that are related to their Leadership Groups. Dates for these visits or interviews will be confirmed at a later date.
Working Language
All discussions will be conducted in either English or Cantonese, and all written documents will be in English.
Resolutions
All the resolutions passed will be followed up by our Association to ensure that the voice of the youths is heard and that responses may be given. As our past practice, the resolutions will be sent to the relevant government departments, the Legislative Council and the press.
#4
Interflow Camp 2009
Introduction
The bright summer days are just around the corner! Driven by our mission “Social Obligation, Local Sensation, Global Aspiration”, the Association would like to once again launch the Interflow Camp 2009 for all Secondary Three to Five Hong Kong students.
Entitled “You’re Hired!”, Interflow Camp 2009 will be a simulation of a selection process for “The Dream Job”. The OSA Tourism Board, represented by the Executive and Organising Committee, will be offering one of the best jobs ever presented – to become Tourism Ambassadors of OSA Island. While enjoying a relaxing vacation, they will help promote tourism on the Island and introduce to tourists the special attractions.
During the selection process, the participants, playing the role of potential candidates, will have to perform challenging tasks which require creative thinking, team cooperation, presentation, communication, and other inter-personal skills. At the end of the Camp, the group giving the best general performance among all tasks will be selected to become Tourism Ambassadors.
It is hoped that through this simulation, participants will be given ample opportunities to let their imagination soar and potentials to be unleashed. The Camp also aims at helping participants to overcome their self-limitations, develop their original thinking and problem-solving skills. Through enjoyable workshops and educational games, participants will be able to exchange their ideas with and learn from their peers.
Target Group
80 Secondary 3 to Secondary 5 students from local secondary schools and international schools
Tentative Programme Rundown
Orientation Day
Date : 11th July 2009
Time : 13:00 - 17:40
Venue: Queen's College
Time |
Prorgramme |
13:00 - 13:30 |
Registration |
13:30 - 13:40 |
Introduction of the Interflow Camp 2009 by Project Chairpersons |
13:40 - 14:00 |
Mass Game 1 |
14:00 - 14:10 |
Introduction of the Organising Committee |
14:10 - 15:30 |
Mass Game 2 |
15:30 - 16:30 |
Creation & Presentation of Group Name & Slogan |
16:30 - 17:00 |
Introduction of Theme Game |
17:00 - 17:30 |
Briefing on the Arrangements of the Interflow Camp 2009 |
17:30 - 17:40 |
Photo-taking and Dismissal |
Interflow Camp
Date : 28th July - 30th July 2009 (Tuesday - Thursday)
Venue : HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp
Interflow Camp Day 1
28th July 2009 (Tuesday)
Time |
Prorgramme |
09:30 - 10:00 |
Registration |
10:00 - 10:30 |
Briefing on City-tracing and Preparation |
10:30 - 15:30 |
City-tracing |
15:30 - 16:30 |
Arrival at campsite |
16:30 - 16:45 |
Introduction of Interflow Camp 2009 |
16:45 - 17:15 |
Mass Game 3 |
17:15 - 18:00 |
Mass Game 4 |
18:00 - 19:00 |
Dinner |
19:00 - 22:30 |
Mass Game 5 |
22:30 - 23:30 |
Sharing Time |
Interflow Camp Day 2
29th July 2009 (Wednesday)
Time |
Prorgramme |
07:50 - 08:00 |
Morning Exercise |
08:00 - 09:00 |
Breakfast |
09:00 - 11:00 |
Theme Game Part I |
11:00 - 12:00 |
Water War |
12:00 - 13:00 |
Lunch |
13:00 - 14:30 |
Theme Game Part II |
14:30 - 16:00 |
Creativity Workshop |
16:00 - 18:00 |
Theme Game Part III |
18:00 - 19:00 |
Dinner |
19:00 - 20:00 |
Mass Game 6 |
20:00 - 22:00 |
Concert |
22:00 - 23:00 |
Sharing Time |
Interflow Camp Day 3
30th July 2009 (Thursday)
Time |
Prorgramme |
07:50 - 08:00 |
Morning Exercise |
08:00 - 09:00 |
Breakfast |
09:00 - 10:30 |
Theme Game Part IV |
10:30 - 11:00 |
Mass Game 7 |
11:00 - 11:30 |
Closing Ceremony |
11:30 - 12:00 |
Pack-up Time |
12:00 - 13:00 |
Lunch |
13:00 - 14:00 |
Group Photos & Back-writing |
All activities stated above are tentative as yet and will be confirmed at a later date.
