The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (19 October 2023) announced the launch of the Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme 2023/24. The Scheme aims to recruit and train full-time tertiary students to become Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassadors, foster the spirit of diversity and inclusion among the younger generation, and encourage young people to promote the message of equal opportunities among their peers. Interested students can apply for the Scheme starting from today. The deadline for application is 16 November 2023.

The EOC introduced its first-ever Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassador Scheme in 2022 to promote the values of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) among the younger generation and unite young supporters of equal opportunities. In response to the positive feedback, the EOC is running the Scheme once again for the 2023/24 academic year to further cultivate positive thinking and values among young people, deepen their understanding of the needs of different communities in society, and prepare them for playing an active role in creating an inclusive society.

Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, EOC Chairperson said, “The EOC ran the Scheme for the first time last year. We are gratified and encouraged by the positive results, as many Youth Ambassadors said the Scheme enriched their experience and provided opportunities to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for DEI values outside the classroom. Building on this success, the EOC has launched the Scheme again this year with an increase in the number of participants, which will enable more tertiary students to become Youth Ambassadors.”

Over the course of six months, the EOC will arrange a series of experiential learning activities for the Youth Ambassadors to enhance their knowledge and experience in the field of equal opportunities. Activities will include learning how to serve as a guide runner for athletes with visual and hearing impairments, visiting a company to gain insights into diversity and inclusion in the workplace, participating in a multicultural tour to experience the cultures of local and ethnic minority communities, receiving training on preventing sexual harassment, and exploring barrier-free facilities alongside students with disabilities.

Mr Chu continued, “In light of the recent allegations of sexual harassment incidents at university orientation camps, it is crucial to enhance tertiary students’ awareness and sensitivity to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Therefore, we have especially included an anti-sexual harassment training workshop in this year’s programme to enrich the Youth Ambassadors’ understanding of sexual harassment. We will also require students participating in the Scheme to actively promote the message of anti-sexual harassment to their classmates and peers through publicity materials or activities.”
    
Upon completion of the Scheme, the Youth Ambassadors will each receive a reference letter signed by the EOC Chairperson, a certificate of appreciation, and a digital version of the certificate for the participant’s LinkedIn page.

To apply for a chance of joining the Scheme, interested students can submit an application form together with a short article or video expressing their views on equal opportunities via the Scheme’s website on or before 16 November 2023. For more details, please visit the Scheme’s dedicated website: www.eoc.org.hk/youth.

_____________________________________________

Equal Opportunities Commission
19 October 2023