Mentors help teenagers get on the right track
Teens often have issues they don’t necessarily want to discuss at home. And if they are too shy to have a supportive social circle, it is a sign that other people may need to help.
Wanting to play a positive role in teenage lives, Shui On set up a mentorship programme in 2012, which has now evolved into a complex and far-reaching project.
Run by staff volunteers in cooperation with Po Leung Kuk, the basic framework is a government subsidised programme which encourages youngsters to save HK$200 every month. A matching donation from Po Leung Kuk helps participating teens reach a savings target of HK$7,000, which can then be spent on a trip, a special purchase, or something else long dreamt of.
Along the way, the programme also teaches the value of money, the importance of saving, and the fundamentals of good financial planning.
Shui On employees act as mentors, not just explaining the financial aspects, but also offering more general support and taking part in “ice-breakers”, workshops and seminars.
“Our ultimate objective is to influence lives for the better and help mentees achieve their potential,” says Vanessa Wo, assistant general manager for corporate communications at Socam Development, a member of the Shui On Group.
Mentors look to become friends and role models, offering companionship and advice. They also help to broaden horizons by giving career advice and arranging social gatherings and outings. Some may assume this role entails a three-year commitment, but more than 30 Shui On employees signed up in 2012 and the level of commitment has remained high.
“One major challenge in mentoring is building strong relationships,” says Fanny Leung, assistant HR manager for Socam Development. “We worry about how to enter a teenager’s world. I first tried through WhatsApp and then invite my mentee to join some activities and workshops organised by Po Leung Kuk. The key is to show mentees you really care for them and will be by their side during difficult times.”
