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.