ENG-1999 — Page 455

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

Outward Bound Hong Kong

Outward Bound Hong Kong (OBHK) is a registered charity and non-profit-making organisation established in 1970. It is also a member of Outward Bound International, the world leader and originator of outdoor experiential education operating more than 50 schools in 30 countries for almost 60 years.

As required by Outward Bound International, each participating member must go through an extensive safety review conducted by an external professional team every other year. OBHK completed a review at the beginning of 1999, and the results showed that its safety operation is in full compliance with the international standards.

In April, Outward Bound China was officially opened at the ScienTech Park in Guangzhou. While the Outward Bound Trust of Hong Kong Ltd looks after its overall development, OBHK plays a supporting role in providing the Mainland office with professional resources and trainers.

With continued support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, a major renovation of the dormitories at the Tai Mong Tsai Headquarters was made possible. All the dormitories are now air-conditioned, and the change will provide participants with a more comfortable environment for rest while on course.

purpose of

OBHK has been responsive to the needs of the community in the wake of the economic downturn, especially concerning those young people who are unemployed. Seeing an urgent need to equip these young people to face the challenges of the new millennium, OBHK has offered different kinds of subsidy schemes to help both new graduates and the unemployed take part in Outward Bound training. The the training is to strengthen the participants' adaptability and stamina.

Programmes for students, teachers and principals of local schools are being increased, due to the collaborative efforts between the Education Department and OBHK, and the growing interest in using alternative methods to provide well- rounded education for local students. OBHK is now looking for new ways to equip teachers to further develop their students with adventure-based programmes at school.

Other innovative programmes included the Family Weekend course and a communication programme co-organised with the business sector. The family course. went very well, and was designed to enhance parent-child relationships. The communication programme targeted university and college students who used advance technological devices to help improve their communications skills. Outward Bound is known for its 'back to basic' philosophy. This programme, therefore, was a complete 'detour' from the usual course.

OBHK will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2000.

Adventure Ship

Adventure Ship is a registered charity which maintains the 27.5-metre Chinese sailing junk, Huan, providing nautical training programmes for underprivileged and disabled children. Adventure Ship is a member of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and is funded mainly by the Community Chest and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Each year, more than 6 000 young people from child and youth centres, institutions for the disabled, outreach teams and schools benefit from the training programmes

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