The following is issued on behalf of the Youth Education, Employment and Training Task Force of the Commission on Poverty:
 
      The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, who is also the Chairperson of the Commission on Poverty (CoP), officiated at the Future Stars Appreciation Ceremony today (January 21). 
 
     Future Stars is a large-scale programme implemented by the CoP to promote social mobility for youths from underprivileged backgrounds. Through various activities including corporate visits, workplace skills training and internships provided via collaboration among the community, businesses, professional sectors and the Government, the programme assists youths in forming their vision for the future and building their capacities in employment. The programme also awards the Upward Mobility Scholarship to students who demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity. In 2016, 1 187 students were awarded the Scholarship.

     Speaking at the event today (January 21), Mr Cheung recognised the achievements of the Future Stars programme over the past three years.  He said that in 2016, more than 360 organisations supported or sponsored activities and scholarships under the Future Stars programme, benefitting more than 8 500 youths. Over the past three years, more than 630 organisations have cast their support for the programme, benefitting a total of more than 26 000 youths.

     Mr Cheung thanked all the supporting and sponsoring organisations of Future Stars, including the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
 
     At the sharing session of the ceremony today, a representative from an enterprise and youths, including an awardees of the Upward Mobility Scholarship, shared their stories.

     In addition to participating youths, representatives from various participating and sponsoring organisations from the business, professional, education and social service sectors attended today's ceremony.

     Information on Future Stars can be obtained from the website of the CoP.

Ends/Saturday, January 21, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:49

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