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Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation

Cheering on the young

Tsz-kei: “I got better and better during my days at CLAP@JC…I knew I couldn’t afford to miss another chance.”

From shirking life challenges to bravely embracing them, Tsz-kei has been through years of ups and downs. “I was a NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) for a while,” she says. “I dropped out of school in Form 4. Though I rather enjoyed learning, I could not handle the huge pressure of the DSE. I only wanted to escape.” She spent most of her time at home and struggled to identify a way forward despite having tried multiple part-time jobs.

Apart from vocational training from CLAP@JC, the programme helped Tsz-kei rediscover the courage to face difficulties.

That was until a social worker introduced her to CLAP@JC. “At first I didn’t want to join,” says Tsz-kei. “But the social worker was very patient with me and I became interested in CLAP@JC’s guitar and makeup classes.” The makeup course rekindled Tsz-kei’s eagerness to learn and she met an encouraging tutor.

“I got better and better during my days at CLAP@JC…I knew I couldn’t afford to miss another chance,” says Tsz-kei. “That’s why I gathered the courage and volunteered to be her apprentice.” Her tutor, who is a bridal makeup artist, took Tsz-kei on different assignments to build up her makeup and communication skills. Tsz-kei worked on what she was passionate about, restoring her sense of purpose and energy. She even broke the bad habit of being late. Before long, she became a professional makeup artist and set up her own studio.

Companionship and encouragement are key to youth development. CLAP@JC was initiated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 2015. As Hong Kong’s first cross-sectoral support platform on Career and Life Development (CLD), it strives to bring together the education, business, and community sectors to facilitate the transition from school to work for young people. Building on the experience gained, CLAP@JC has benchmarked with global CLD-driven practices, and is en route to formulating a localised framework - “Hong Kong Benchmarks for Career and Life Development”, which will be implemented in one-third of Hong Kong secondary schools. In the community, CLD-driven intervention will be promoted in over 100 mainstream youth services units.

Through CLAP@JC, Tsz-kei is working on what she is passionate about. The experience has filled her with energy and a sense of purpose.
Apart from vocational training from CLAP@JC, the programme helped Tsz-kei rediscover the courage to face difficulties.
At one point, Tsz-kei (left) was neither in school nor employment. That changed when a social worker encouraged her to join CLAP@JC to explore her strengths and interests. (Photo provided by interviewee) The wide-ranging activities under CLAP@JC help young people rekindle their passion to learn.

“Looking back, I am grateful to CLAP@JC for giving me a helping hand during my lowest moments.”

Apart from vocational training from CLAP@JC, the project helped Tsz-kei rediscover the courage to face difficulties. In the past two years, even though the makeup industry has struggled as the pandemic has continued Tsz-kei made a bold decision to branch out on her own. The 23-year-old started her own beauty salon, targeting a young clientele and has hired two full-time staff. “Looking back, I am grateful to CLAP@JC for giving me a helping hand during my lowest moments.”

CLAP@JC encourages young people to learn more about themselves through different life experiences, so that they can maximise their potential in their unique life journeys.

Did you know?

CLAP@JC is created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and supported by partnering institutions, including The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Education University of Hong Kong. Since 2015, CLAP@JC has successfully engaged nearly 50,000 students and 13,000 non-engaged youths, and trained over 6,000 teachers and 5,000 social workers.

Information updated to June 2023

Initiated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 2015, CLAP@JC is Hong Kong’s first cross-sectoral support platform on career and life development.
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