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Following is issued on behalf of the Commission on Youth:

Twenty-two youth ambassadors representing Hong Kong's goodwill is now visiting Australia under the International Youth Exchange Programme organised by the Commission on Youth. During the 10-day visit, the youngsters will be able to widen their exposure by meeting people of different cultural backgrounds.

The delegation, comprising 17 girls and five boys, will first visit Canberra and have a guided tour to the New Parliament House and the Chinese Embassy. They will meet some local students on their visit to the Australian National University and undergo a two-day outward bound course for leadership training and character development.

After visiting Canberra, they will proceed to Sydney and have the opportunity to visit one of the Olympic sites where the 2000 Sydney Olympic Game was held. Moreover, they will also visit a nursing home to meet with the elderly and tell them about the way of life in Hong Kong.

Throughout the programme, the youth ambassadors will experience home stay in local families which can help them to better understand Australian cultural and social environment.

The delegation will be led by Commission member, Mr Cheng Yan-kee. The delegates will have to prepare a report on the visit to the Commission upon their return to Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, January 17, 2001

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