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Service Corps programme (Phase VII) recruits delegates for voluntary teaching services in Mainland (with photos)
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     The Service Corps programme (Phase VII) is recruiting young people to serve in underprivileged areas of the Mainland. Participants will provide primary and junior secondary students in Shaoguan and Meizhou in Guangdong Province with teaching assistance services in subjects including English, physical education, music, arts and computing.

     Participants can choose to serve for the whole school year (from September 2016 to July 2017) or for one semester (first term from September 2016 to January 2017 or second term from February to July 2017).

     The Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) launched the Service Corps programme in 2011 with an aim of promoting youth development and volunteerism. More than 100 young people in Hong Kong have joined the Service Corps programme up to now.

     A delegate from the Phase VI programme (first semester), Mr Joseph Chan, gained valuable experience in the months he spent in Meizhou Chengdong Central Primary School as a voluntary teacher. He said that during the time he was teaching in Meizhou, he faced periods of difficulty in teaching and in his personal life, but during these moments he was able to find reassurance from others.

     "A mischievous student unexpectedly apologised to me one day, and other students unanimously expressed their appreciation of my classes. Meanwhile, teachers gradually became closer and invited me to spend time with them and share meals. Together with the great hospitality offered by the principal, the teaching life made me feel grateful and moved.

     "Members of the school community including students, teachers and the principal showed great care to the Service Corps delegates, and even shopkeepers of small stores in the neighbourhood treated us very well. It is not easy to have such an experience in Hong Kong," he said.

     To keep up the spirit of the Service Corps, delegates who participated in Phases I to VI of the programme launched an alumni association, Hong Kong Youth Volunteers, in October 2015 so that the delegates could sustain the spirit to serve and continue to promote the Service Corps after their return to Hong Kong.

     Participants' experiences will be enhanced through the Service Corps programme's three components of pre-departure training, field service and follow-up activities. During the period of service, the local government authorities will arrange study trips or other voluntary activities for the participants, including visits to city establishments, enterprises, government organisations and local villages, as well as exchanges with local youths.

     To support young people in taking part in the Service Corps programme, the HAB will arrange on-campus accommodation for participants and provide necessary subsidies, including a basic living allowance of about RMB3,200 per month, and two round trips to and from Hong Kong and the service area, as well as reimbursement of expenses on third-party liability insurance, general personal medical insurance and travel insurance. The HAB will also engage experienced counsellors to support the participants. Participants who complete the programme with satisfactory performance will be granted a certificate and a cash award of $5,000 (one semester).

     Participants must be aged between 18 and 29, and capable of communicating in Putonghua as well as reading and writing simplified Chinese characters. Those interested may download the application form from the website of the Service Corps (www.servicecorps.hk) and submit the completed form together with supporting documents before July 29. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in late July.

     To learn more about the programme, interested parties can also visit the Facebook Fan Page of the Service Corps (www.facebook.com/servicecorpshk) or call 3509 7022 for enquiries.

Ends/Sunday, July 10, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:02

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