RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
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More than 25 per cent of the enrolment is supported by an active bursary scheme enabling Outward Bound to reach the deserving and financially-disadvantaged members of the community. Seventy per cent of the courses are for the general public, youth organisations and special populations, while the rest are contract courses for corporate groups and education institutions.
The courses are residential with an average course length of 10 days. The programmes operate from three centres: a sail training ship, the brigantine Ji Fung; a 74-bed base at Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung; and the Sir Murray MacLehose Training Base on the island of Double Haven in Mirs Bay.
There has been a significant increase in demand for Outward Bound training from corporations and businesses which recognise that the courses are an effective team-building and training strategy for older adults, resulting in a continuous increase in the demand for 'team building', 'adult challenge', and special 'contract' courses.
In 1993, the school operated over 150 courses for over 3 600 trainees. New initiatives included an international course, in collaboration with the Kenya Outward Bound School, and two training voyages to Japan on the Ji Fung, in collaboration with the Japan Outward Bound Trust.
A study group has been formed to explore the feasibility of operating courses for organisations in the People's Republic of China.
Financing is provided through tuition income and charitable donations which enable the - - participation of young people who are unable to afford the full course fee.
The operations base at Tai Mong Tsai underwent major renovations funded by a grant -from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, and plans are being developed to create an
additional 36-bed, self-sustaining facility in Ah Kung Wan.
In 1994, Hong Kong will host the Fifth International Outward Bound Conference.
Adventure Ship
The Adventure Ship Project has been operating in Hong Kong for 16 years. It is a registered charity which maintains a 27.5-metre Chinese sailing junk, Huan, providing nautical training trips for underprivileged and handicapped children. The project is mainly funded by the Community Chest and the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Limited.
Each year, over 6 000 young people from children and youth centres, institutions for the handicapped, outreach teams and schools have benefited from these programmes.
The training programme consists of day trips or overnight trips (up to three days and two nights). The vessel is equipped to accommodate 60 youngsters on day trips and 50 on overnight voyages. 'Disciplined Entertainment' is the main theme of the training programme. Once on board, participants are regarded as members of the crew and take part in the operational routines. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they are trained to face new challenges and participate in team-spirit building activities. The programmes have been devised to cope with various weather conditions and special requirements for children of different aptitudes and backgrounds.
The Adventure Ship Project has created new horizons for many thousands of young people, enabling them to enrich their experience while discovering the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.