Youth staying in Evangel Children’s Home not only face the predicament of homelessness, they also face challenges of future residence, independent living, further education and employment issues. This leaves them feeling helpless especially under the constant threat of Covid-19. Grateful that there are empathetic and kind-hearted donors who sponsored 2nd Chance in Life-Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program “Start-up Fund”, a continuous subsidy since 2021, and helped they transit gradually to independent living.
“Start-up Fund” – Timely Support under the Pandemic
Businesses in Hong Kong were hard hit in the face of severe pandemic. Residential youth encounter many difficulties when finding part-time jobs. Some being laid off are under tremendous mental and psychological stress. For a living, they have to allocate time on both study and work, which causes a dilemma. In the past two years, we are blessed to have kind donors – Angie & Cathy, who injected sponsorship of “Start-up Fund”. This helps the youth to transit through difficulties and prepare for further studies and career development.
A few sponsored youths are studying in accredited tertiary qualification courses or participating in pre-employment internships offered by the service project of the organization. They need to work part-time after school to cover rental, tuition and other living expenses. They recalled that during the pandemic, various industries fell into recession. They encountered financial difficulties, such as deduction in working hours or being laid off. Fortunately, they received the “Start-up Fund” and solved their immediate needs. Their psychological and mental stress was relieved so they could continue to focus on studying, complete their coursework or internship then gradually transit to self-reliance.
A Difficult Start with a Dilemma
“Due to the pandemic, I was unemployed early2021, resulting in zero income. I was under intense financial stress in face of various expenses, such as rental, transportation and food. In the last semester, the courses I studied are the most difficult. It takes me a lot of time to search in the internet every day. I study hard with my classmates, and depart school only when the campus closes” Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine.
“Under the severe pandemic outbreak, labour demand dropped drastically. Many employees suffered either from deduction of working hours or being laid off. Due to the same reason, I was laid off from my last part-time job. The competition of finding a job is very high. There was no news about the jobs I applied. I was confused and under a lot of psychological pressure. At the same time, I have to take care of my studies. I need to spend a lot of time practising in the hospital to avoid making mistakes. If I fail in the exam, my graduation will be delayed for one year. My mental burden is very heavy…”Gwyneth (alias) who takes Nursing Studies.
“I attend school Monday through Friday. I do not have enough time for a regular part-time job. My income is unstable that intensifies my financial pressure. The schoolwork in the new semester is also getting heavier. I really hope to devote more time to my studies without worrying about my living expenses…“Britney (alias) who is studying Nursing.
Gratitude from the Youth Beneficiaries:
Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine
“When I couldn’t find a part-time job and urgently needed financial support, this fund gave me a buffer period during the difficult time. It allowed me to study and complete the course with peace of mind. I am greatly thankful to the sponsors who contributed silently. When I am able to give back, I will do my best to contribute to the society.”
Gwyneth (alias) who chose Nursing Studies
“The Start-up Fund allowed me to relieve some financial burdens. It provided support under the unpredictable situation of the pandemic. Hence, I could focus on my studies and achieved satisfactory results. I look forward to obtaining enrolled nurse license subsequent to my internship… After overcoming this hurdle, I deeply realize that I shall serve people with different needs in this helping industry, and practise selfless dedication.”
Wing (alias) who is learning Information Technology
“The Start-up Fund relieved my financial pressure, allowed me to spend more time on further studies and start developing my second life. After becoming financially independent in the future, I hope to help those with financial need.”
Beautiful DIY thank you cards made by the youths
Once again, we thank Angie & Cathy for their timely assistance, encouraging homeless youth to come out of their predicaments and strive to move up. Hope that intergenerational poverty can be lifted and they could live a prosperous second life, and give back to the society.
