Good Stories

[獎勵計劃持章人成功橫渡英倫海峽　創下145年未曾締造的紀錄] 圖左註解 Allen (圖左) 及Eugene (圖右) 於船上保暖以準備接力。 圖右註解 Allen在橫渡英倫海峽挑戰的6小時後於晨光中向法國出發。 做不平凡的事 鄭麗珊律師 (下稱Eliza隊長)、車偉恒律師 (下稱Allen)及黃宇正律師 (下稱Eugene) 於2020年9月6日創下了145年來首支香港團隊以接力方式橫渡英倫海峽，即由英國游泳到法國的紀錄；除了為兒童及青少年慈善團體籌得善款外，使更多來自低收入家庭及有特殊學習需要的小朋友能夠習泳，亦為彼此留下一個專屬他們的難忘回憶。 世界真細小 Allen及Eugene分別於八十年代及九十年代中學時期都參加了香港青年獎勵計劃(下稱獎勵計劃)。獎勵計劃參加者的章級旅程中需要經歷「訂立目標」、「計劃」、「實踐」及「完成目標」。而他們於兩年前計劃橫渡英倫海峽時，彷彿再次經歷一次章級旅程。 機會是留給有準備的人 他們除了安頓自身的工作、還要訓練及安排行程，當中更有一個意想不到的課題── 就是要增磅。因為英倫海峽全年只有六月至九月適合橫渡，惟水溫只有十六、七度左右，隊伍需要於出發前增磅，令身體可適應冰冷的海水。正正因為團隊完成挑戰的決心始終如一，即使因為新型冠狀病毒疫情，令他們由原定的七月延期至九月出發，他們仍一致地向標竿直跑。 堅持＋鼓勵＝成功要素 他們為目標積極進行練習，每天趕及工作前凌晨練習及黑夜游泳；即使天氣不穩及受疫情的影響，練習游泳的場地、次數及人數都相應改變，種種未出發前的變數並未有阻撓了他們完成目標的決心。Allen及Eugene認為隊友互相鼓勵，同事的支援、家人朋友的包容及公眾人士的支持是他們能在世紀疫情下完成今次不平凡挑戰的決定性元素。 找到預期外的好風光 三人於9月5日到達英國，沒有想過還未定過神來好好休息及適應時差，便要立即於當晚凌晨時分開展長達13小時48分鐘，合共超過60公里的橫渡。他們將16度的冰冷海水、急速的水流、強大的陣風、暈浪、肩膀舊患、抽筋等障礙逐一擊破，全因隊友的支持、對目標的堅持及對自己的承諾。Allen及Eugene異口同聲說：「很多事情即使你做好計劃，但總會有變數。發生意料之外的事時，不要去埋怨，發揮團體合作精神，並找出解決方法，才是正確的態度。於參加獎勵計劃時學到的解難能力都發揮了出來！」 下一站的目的地 團隊起初構思橫渡英倫海峽，他們希望可做多一點，行多一步，及以自身力量為幫助他人。完成此創舉後，Allen及Eugene表示他們希望可再次挑戰自己。他們打趣的賣個關子，讓我們一起期待他們往後的分享！ 以杯麵為在海中接受挑戰的隊友打打氣！ Eugene接力最後一棒，終點在望！ Allen (圖左) 及Eliza隊長 (圖右) 於終點岸上喜迎Eugene (圖中)。 由Allen、Eliza隊長及Eugene 組成的首支橫渡英倫海峽香港接力泳隊成功完成挑戰。 伸延閱讀： 黑夜挑戰片段： https://www.facebook.com/516163313/videos/pcb.10157457756573314/10157457658533314 隊伍挑戰成功一刻： https://www.facebook.com/100025622732401/videos/pcb.859244057939727/701839130680172/

學校執行處—可風中學（嗇色園主辦）彭永詩第九十八屆銀章得獎者 調整心態 重新出發 面對疫症及未知數時令到我及身邊的同學都感到迷惘，不過當自己經歷過銀章的挑戰後，令我有信心及能力去克服今次的「疫」境。而於銀章過程中我學會將困難視為自己的機遇，一種令自己更優勝的機遇，所以於這艱難的時候，就要更加積極讓自己進步。參加AYP後，我的心態上改變了不少，明白到當面對改變不了的事實，既然已經發生，與其埋怨及逃避，倒不如視為推動力，這才可真正解決問題及令自己成長。 除了隊友同教練的陪伴之外，目標清晰是很重要的，為自己訂立目標及期望才先會令自己有動力去追求成功。最後，我好感謝學校老師李Sir，他默默為我們付出，例如中五的參加者因為學業比較忙不知如何安排活動時，老師為我們安排教練親身到學校開班，讓我們可以順利完成銀章之旅。

直屬執行處—明愛樂群學校馮俊彥同學第九十八屆銀章得獎者非言語能表達的獎章旅程 對於非口語及有特殊需要的學生而言，正規課堂學習本來已經是一件不容易的事，更遑論走出校園接受非正規教育。來自明愛樂群學校的馮俊彥同學有著不同的身份，他既是第九十八屆銀章得獎者，亦已經完成所有金章級的章級活動，即將會成為一位金章得獎者。他憑著自己的努力、同伴的扶持及老師的理解與體諒成功跨越不同的章級挑戰，以行動打破自身先天條件的不足，成為一位多元的AYP章級持有人。 為人被動 同伴互補不足 馮俊彥同學的父親表示，兒子為人比較被動，性格內向，於參加獎勵計劃之前亦是一位遇事會輕易放棄的青年人，經常隨團出發一起參加章級活動的明愛樂群學校鍾老師亦坦言本身比較擔心馮同學會不能融入群體活動及輕言放棄。然而，於多次陪同明愛樂群學校的參加者進行不同的章級活動後，鍾老師表示自己輕視了同伴於獎勵計劃旅程的力量。受先天性格影響，馮同學本身對任何事情都很敏感，尤其特別怕火。於進行野外鍛鍊科戶外煮食期間，很多時候都需要自行生火，馮同學由一開始很抗拒，到後來受一起參加AYP的同校同學麥詠貞同學及曾俊豐同學鼓勵下能自行生火。獎勵計劃多元化的活動驅使馮同學由一位很怕事的人，慢慢於多次與隊友的相處中建立了默契及互信，亦令他開始學習於過程中互相幫助隊友。 「我不擅於表達，但我以行動證明自己。」 受同伴影響而克服了對火的恐懼，令馮同學內心明白到友伴間互相扶持的可貴。不擅辭令的他選擇以行動來回應同伴、導師及老師對他的關懷及幫助。由於馮同學體力相對較其他學員好，於進行體力勞動較大的野外鍛鍊科活動時，他會於出發前默默把重裝備都擔在自己的肩上，不介意替隊友分擔重物。鍾老師表示，馮同學於日常生活中很多時候都不能自理，需要依賴家長及老師照顧。然而，令他喜出望外的是，透過接受獎勵計劃非正規的教育內容激發出另一面的馮俊彥同學。 於參加AYP活動時，馮同學能與隊友互相合作及配合，靠自己的努力成功挑戰章級。即使重回日常生活中，他的社交活動技巧並沒有明顯改善，然而對於社會中一直被受歧視的一群人而言，AYP帶給特殊需要參加者的並不是一項獎項殊榮，而是他們及其身邊人的一個挑戰自我的體驗之旅。透過走出校園，真正學習生活中各種技能，比書本上所學到的知識更為畢生受用。 *由於馮俊彥同學是非口語學生，由家長於馮同學在場下代為接受訪問。

聚‧傳　以生命影響生命 謝健鋒：「參加者在自信心、社交技巧及表達能力都有所提升。」 李宇龍：「現在我學會控制情緒，多主動以言語表達自己的感受。」 學校執行處 － 匡智張玉瓊晨輝學校 觀看相關報導>>

遊歷國際 超越時空 愛爾蘭交流之旅 「從前的我們沿著各自的生命軌跡前行；這一刻，我們的腳步卻不經意的瞬間交疊。即使這二十位青年人來自地球村的不同角落，卻同樣朝著夢想飛馳，而這段友誼，更超越了地域及時間的界限。這次『國際青年交流計劃』為我們的青春印記劃上了燦爛的一筆。」 直屬執行處 – 黃大仙拯溺會有限公司 觀看相關報導>>

[Together we walk through this – Still volunteering at home] Leung Tin Fan Tiffany, student of Yuen Long Merchants Association Secondary School and participant of Bronze Award still engage actively and enrich her Award journey in this challenging period. “I can still give useful services to teacher and classmates under class suspension period.” As a multi-functional subject leader, Tiffany still takes her own responsibility reminding her classmates to submit homework, assisting in taking notes as well as different online learning experiences. She also reminds teachers to well-prepared for different procedures as live-streamed classes were conducted. The current situation is no doubt affecting our daily life. However, we should take good advantage of this period and make it count! One of the five sections of AYP – Service Section is designed to develop participants a sense of community service and a feeling of responsibility to others through take part in volunteer services. Tiffany inspired by this spirit to keep her commitment towards her classmates and teachers.

[Together we walk through this – Don’t stop learning something at home] Class suspension does not mean stop learning. Keep going with your Award journey! Miss. Nam Ka Yi, participant of Silver Award, student from Tack Ching Girls’ Secondary School demonstrates a good example of continuing the Award at home in this critical time. “Staying at home cannot stop me from doing my Award.” With a flexible and unique system, participants can do the Award anytime anywhere, and it’s totally adjustable! Learning English as her Skills Section, while Kayi is currently unable to attend lessons outside. However, her online learning English experience for Skills Section so far is progressing steadily with her foreign teacher. She also finds this way is much more interesting than having face-to-face lessons. All of our lives are in some way affected by this. However, AYP acts as a good platform for young people to step out from their comfort zone with chances of facing challenges. Learning how to step up and keep going with our normal lives are another acquisition of skills for our youth. No matter anywhere anytime, continue with The Award journey!

[Together we walk through this – Not afraid of danger, challenges and limits] Quarantine centres are no doubt one of the feared items nowadays across the city. However, Lawrence, AYP Gold Award Holder and member of Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) participate as volunteer to work at Quarantine centres. Let’s see the reason behind. Apart from frontline healthcare workers who are fighting the disease for us, a gang of volunteers from AMS also take their duty all the time effortlessly. Lawrence have started volunteering at Quarantine centres in the very beginning of this global challenge. Job duties include but not limited to sending close contacts people to Quarantine centres for investigation and conduct initial diagnosis for them as well. “I have developed a strong sense of engagement with community throughout my entire Award journey. Satisfaction that I could gain from the volunteering work is incomparable and irreplaceable. The return that I got back is uncountable as money but mentally fulfilled. No matter how danger it is, I will keep devoting and have full protection to protect myself.” Let’s fight against together! Take Lawrence as an good example under stressful period.

[Together we walk through this – Happy Share!] Epidemic prevention supplies as well as daily necessities seem better to be more than enough at everyone’s home with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, under the insecure circumstances, there are still some heroes trying their best to help the community. Let see Mr. Dino SHA, our Silver Award Holder’s story. Inspired by the spirit of The Award, Dino no longer afraid of challenges but take it as an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone. He also increased engagement with the community by offering hands to needy and bearing responsibility. He also understand the importance of facing adversity with an accurate and positive value. “Having ability to give is the best feeling for me! The virus unites all of us though it’s cruel as well. ” Dino worked hard on souring different epidemic supplies such as face masks, alcohol hand gel and containers during the very first stage of COVID-19. He didn’t have any mechanism to support but only his own hands. He also influenced his friends to join him to participate in this meaningful volunteering by distributing all the protective resources to the elderly and frontline cleaning workers. Dino wishes all…

[Together we walk through this – Don’t stop your Award Journey!] There’s never a full stop for AYP participants despite this difficult time! A gang of college students as well as doing their Gold Awards: Kung Sze Lin, Li Chun Ngai, Wong Kwan Luen and Chan Pui Ting shared the same belief under current global challenge – there’s must be a way to keep yourself moving on in the Award journey. “The first thing we bump out in our mind is what can we offer when we saw AYP will distribute anti-COVID19 packs to needy young people. Therefore we joined as volunteers to assist with the 1,500 packing of anti-COVID19 packs.” For AYPers, hiking is not only a leisure and social media oriented activity but a training expeditions! All AYP participants, please pick a side door route to get yourself well prepared with the Award journey!