19th Batch Application - Briefing Highlights:
Build a Caring Network Nurture the New Generation

1.

Academic Perspective: Social Capital and New Trend of Youth Work

First, Professor Victor Wong, Social Work Department of the Hong Kong Baptist University (upper photo) shared on social capital and the new trend of youth work. The Professor elaborated on the background and forms of social capital. He then introduced the social capital theories raised by three famous sociological scholars, namely Bourdieu, Putnam and Coleman, and highlighted the roles of the youth and families in the theories.

Professor Wong also mentioned the significant factors of social capital building and concerns on the actual practice of projects. Lastly, he summed up the three salient points of social capital building in the "3D (Division, Diversity and Difference) Approach", and proposed practical and sustainable methods for implementation, which were very useful references.

2.

Sharing on Practical Experience: How to build a social capital network for youngsters through street dance?

Mr. Tong Leung, Deputy General Secretary of the Society of Boys' Centres shared his experience on the CIIF-funded Project "Teens Artistic Workshop". He elaborated on how youngsters built their social capital network through street dance. Under the three-year Project, the project team leveraged on the advantages and resources of the organisation, and capitalised on the attributes, such as vibrancy and creativity, of youngsters to help them develop themselves under various strategies based on their talents and interests.

Thanks to the participation of local stakeholders, youngsters could network across sectors, including the business, community organisations and professionals, where they were offered resources, incentives and opportunities. These opportunities brought about changes to the youth who might practise in real workplaces and promote artistic development whereby they could contribute what they had learnt to the society, realise social inclusion and promote the sustainable development of network capital.

3.

Sharing on Practical Experience:
Social Capital Upgrading Network - Let me be the master!

In line with the CIIF slogan "Build a Caring Network Energise the Community", the Briefing Session was made "energetic" too! Under the "Joyful Care; Castle" Project, the joy makers whose ages spanned from young to old used a stick to play some simple and funny games with participants, which not only aroused enthusiastic participation of the floor but also demonstrated the cross-generational networking power and effect of the Project.

Then three young joy makers, namely Mr. Fung Ming-hin, Miss Hedy Tsang and Miss Ng Pik-ki shared with full confidence at the stage their personal experience on the Project and subsequent changes. Ms Ramy Chak, Service Supervisor of the Salvation Army Chuk Yuen Integrated Service briefly shared with us on how the Project could enable youngsters with community support, who could achieve reciprocal matching with adults and be the masters of their own.

Coincidentally, Ms Chak and Professor Wong both highlighted the value of "Difference". As sincerely shared by her, the attributes that we differed were the most valuable resources, which could be leveraged to create social capital and make us "energetic".

4.

Briefing on Application Conditions and Procedures, Funding Mechanism, Assessment Criteria and Assessment Framework

At last, Ms. Winnie Ying and Mr. Brian Wong, Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General (Project Management) of the CIIF Secretariat respectively outlined the application conditions and procedures for CIIF fund, funding mechanism, all 11 assessment criteria in four aspects, and the three-tier assessment framework. They also reminded prospective applicants to check properly all the necessary documents and relevant proofs attached before submitting their applications.