Sunday 14 July 2013

Upper Iowa University Hong Kong faculty and students connect and empower youth through 'Project Share'

Dr. Lee
Dr. Elbert Lee, UIU faculty in psychology, speaks candidly with youth at the Project Share workshop held in Hong Kong recently. He and several Upper Iowa University students, faculty and staff facilitated a workshop aimed at developing the potential of the high school students in attendance. Project Share brings together professionals and high school students in marginalized areas to expose these students to opportunities.

HONG KONG (May 23, 2013) - Upper Iowa University's Hong Kong Center had the opportunity to help address socioeconomic gaps in the city by participating in Project Share, a non-profit organization that works with youth in communities surrounding the city that are often overlooked and/or less fortunate than others.

UIU Hong Kong faculty and students led a Project Share workshop aimed at developing the potential of the high school students in attendance, as well as building self-understanding, team spirit and career orientation through various interactive training activities. They administered a career questionnaire to assist and motivate the youth in discovering a career direction most suitable for them, as well as discussed career personalities, interests and values.

"Like many cities in the world, the divide between different social groups in Hong Kong has increased, with mobility between different economic and social levels becoming more and more difficult," said Dr. David Eicher, lead faculty for UIU Hong Kong and assistant professor of business. "Youth from these areas are often overlooked and may get less opportunities than others which increases the gap between these communities. While teenagers in these areas have solid education, they may lack core personal skills that are necessary to compete in today's global workplace."

One result of the reduced mobility is the difficulty many young people in these areas have in gaining access to the working environment and culture of the key business areas in Hong Kong. These areas represent the heart of Hong Kong's financial, commercial, creative, government and professional institutions and offer a wide range of possibilities for careers and personal development.

In order to offer the youth of these areas the opportunity to learn from professionals at well-known international and local institutions, Project Share works to bridge the gap by bringing them together, as well as exposing them to college students and faculty that has real world experience such as Upper Iowa University.

"We are very pleased to work with these students and the Project Share organization," added Dr. Eicher. "It is important to share our resources and make a positive impact in the lives of others so that we can work toward closing this gap."

UIU student participants were psychology majors Patrick Wu Hoi Fung, Winnie Yeung, Celia Wong and Melissa Ng. Faculty participating included Dr. CC Chan, Dr. Elbert Lee, Lewis Lee, J.D., Jamie Ku, M.A., and Dr. Dave Eicher. UIU staff assisting were Matthew Lo, Yaku Yau and Alvin Kwok.

Group presenting in Hong Kong
The Upper Iowa University group addresses the high school students participating in Project Share. Pictured from left are faculty members Dr. CC Chan and Lewis Lee; students Celia Wong, Patrick Wo Hoi Fung, Winnie Yeung and Melissa Ng; and faculty members Dr. Elbert Lee and Dr. David Eicher.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.


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