Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu recently celebrated the achievements of a student from the Strive and Rise Program, who showcased his talents at the National Day variety show, encouraging him to continue pursuing his aspirations in music.
In a video shared on social media on Sunday (Oct 5), Lee recalled on their initial meeting in 2022 during his first term as the city’s leader. He visited subdivided flats in Sham Shui Po and met the student, also surnamed Lee, who performed a violin piece for him and articulated his ambitions.
Lee expressed his surprise and admiration upon learning that the 16-year-old student had made remarkable progress, performing on stage at the National Day variety show as a member of the Asian Youth String Orchestra.
The student collaborated with esteemed violinist Yao Jue and the Hong Kong String Orchestra, performing a crossover piece entitled "Cantonese Opera Fantasia."
Lee remarked, "Back then, when I spoke with you, you were hesitant to make eye contact, but now you truly make me very proud," acknowledging the boy’s confident presentation as well as his dedication to pursuing his passion for music.
Lee encouraged the student to maintain his diligent efforts, seize the opportunities for larger performances, and chase his dreams. He also expressed gratitude to Yao Jue for providing support and mentorship to grassroots youth.
Yao remarked on the student's commitment, highlighting that he had successfully completed violin grades five and eight within a span of three years.
The 16-year-old shared that he engages in weekly practice sessions, finding the experience challenging yet deeply fulfilling. Lee praised his dedication, noting the calluses on the young musician's hand as a testament to his hard work.
As a member of the inaugural cohort of the Strive and Rise Program—a mentoring initiative aimed at uplifting underprivileged local students—the boy enhanced his violin skills through the program's support and accompanying scholarships.
Furthermore, he participated in the Jockey Club Power of Music Program initiated by Yao, became a member of the Asian Youth String Orchestra, performed at the New Year celebration tea party for the CPPCC National Committee last year, and traveled to Australia for exchange performances.
At the end of Lee's video, the 16-year-old performed the classic "Czardas" for the city leader. Lee expressed joy at seeing the seed of the boy's dream planted three years ago now bearing fruit through his hard work, encouraging him to continue striving for greater heights and to shine even brighter.
In the post, Lee wrote that improving people's livelihoods is his ultimate governance goal, and the boy is a successful example of the program.
He mentioned that this year's policy address proposed enhancing alumni activities for the programme through a HK$10 million grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, providing training and experiences that blend local trendy culture with traditional Chinese arts.
Lee hoped to continue changing the life trajectories of more underprivileged youth through comprehensive and precise poverty alleviation policies, bringing more hope for upward mobility.
Since its launch in 2022, the Strive and Rise Program has moved beyond traditional poverty alleviation thinking by pairing participants with volunteer mentors to impart life experience and plan development directions.
Each of the participants from the grassroots families will receive HK$10,000 cash - HK$5,000 startup fund and a HK$5,000 scholarship.
The Program aims to broaden their horizons and build their confidence. It also seeks to instill a positive outlook, set future goals, and encourage upward mobility, all under their mentors' guidance.
The Program has cumulatively enrolled 10,800 participants, covering disadvantaged families across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, with 2,800 in the first phase and 4,000 each in the second and third phases.
The latest policy address noted that the Hong Kong Jockey Club has allocated HK$10 million to enrich alumni activities and internship opportunities. It has also mentioned to inject HK$180 million into the Child Development Fund to reduce inter-generational poverty.
