IMPACT REPORT 2024
WHYRESILIENCE?
The Urgent Need in Hong Kong and Beyond
In 2024, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups reported alarming findings: among 6,000 students surveyed, over 40% experienced high levels of stress. This stark reality highlights a growing mental health challenge among young people in Hong Kong, a situation that mirrors trends seen globally.
However, there are solutions. Resilience is increasingly recognized as a vital factor in supporting youth mental well-being. According to BBC News, building resilience strengthens young people’s ability to face difficulties and overcome life’s challenges. It is a crucial skill that enables youth to adapt, recover, and thrive amid adversity.
Resilience not only supports mental well-being; it is also essential for the future workforce. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report identifies resilience as the number one skill needed for tomorrow’s workforce, alongside flexibility and agility. In Hong Kong, the Education Bureau and Home & Youth Affair Bureau have prioritized resilience as a key pillar of youth development, recognizing its importance for both personal growth and societal progress.
OBHK’SFIRSTRESILIENCEFORUM
Key Findings of #FutureProofYOUth Research: Resilience is Considered Most Important Skill
In December 2024, OBHK hosted its very first Resilience Forum, where we shared vital insights from the #FutureProofYouth research, revealing that resilience is viewed as the most important skill for Hong Kong's youth. This forum brought together educators, corporate leaders, and community advocates to discuss how we can better equip young people for the challenges ahead.
The findings emphasized the urgent need for targeted training and support to foster resilience among youth, ensuring they are prepared to navigate an ever-evolving future. During the forum, our panelists engaged in meaningful discussions about strategies to enhance resilience, highlighting its crucial role in adapting to change and overcoming obstacles.
Overall, the forum served as a vital platform to reinforce the importance of resilience in youth development, paving the way for collaborative efforts to empower the next generation and build a brighter future for all.
For the highlight of the report and Resilience Forum SCAN NOW
OURIMPACTONOVER6,000YOUTH
Overview of Our Work & Impact in 2024
6,480 TotalParticipants
202
200,000+
HoursofParticipation
TotalCourses 100+ Partners in the Community
A recent Social Return on Investment analysis by Accenture Development Partnerships showed that $9 of social value is created for every $1 invested into Outward Bound.
The impact of OBHK’s courses is measured by the Outward Bound Outcomes Survey. This survey tool was developed and validated by a panel of leading academics, provides great insights, and allows us to quantify the impact of our work in 5 key areas: Resilience, Self-Confidence, Compassion, Social Competence, and Environmental Responsibility.
BUILDINGASTRONGERCOMMUNITY THROUGH#FUTUREPROOFYOUTH
Tailoring Outdoor Education for All-Round Growth
Over 400 students from 20 schools have participated in the Foundation for Success program, where they pushed their limits, built resilience, and discovered newfound confidence. Through challenging activities like high ropes and kayaking, students learned to set meaningful goals, trust and support one another, and step out of their comfort zones. Many now feel more resilient and ready to take on new challenges, echoing the sentiment: “I’m way more res more confident and brave about comfort zone.”
Challenging myself to do things I never thought I’d try helped me realize how important my teammates are. Turns out, if you’re determined, you can get through all kinds of tough situations.
Wong, 2024 Participant Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College
My students have become more responsible and now think carefully before making decisions. Their teamwork has noticeably improved. Some who used to be shy and passive are now more willing to share with peers, express their opinions, and demonstrate positive changes. SCAN & Read More Now
Miss Lo Teacher from Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School
WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS?
The Swire Trust Foundation for Success partners with OBHK to help youth push their limits and build resilience. Reports indicate a 23% boost in resilience, highlighting the program’s significant impact on youth success.
EQUIPPINGAT-RISKYOUTH BUILDINGCONFIDENCEFORTHEFUTURE
Develop Essential Life Skills to Face Real Challenges
It was challenging, but if I didn’t take the opportunity, I might regret it forever!
2024 Participant
THEMOSTCHALLENGINGLANDCOURSE 18DAYSCLASSICACHIEVER
Extending High Schoolers’ Limits
Every summer, youth aged 16-19 embark on an 18day journey through the longest OBHK land course.
This year, a group of nine young people joined us, pushing their limits, building resilience, and discovering their potential.
Together as a team, they overcame numerous challenges:
✔ Reacted and replanned for unpredictable weather
✔ Kayaked and navigated the coastline
✔ Coasteered and descended rocky terrain
✔ Hike miles to witness the sunrise
Most importantly, they never stopped moving forward!
THANK YOU - Chan Tseng Hsi Foundation
For the past 30 years, the Chan Tseng Hsi Foundation has supported hundreds of underprivileged youth to experience this life-changing program Designed to equip young people navigating transitional life stages with essential future skills, this initiative helps youth gain deeper self-understanding and emerge more confident, ready to create positive change in their communities
UNLOCKTHELEADERINEVERYSTUDENT
Learn & Grow from Traditional Classroom to Nature Classroom
After this whole journey, I realized I’m way more resilient now, and I feel way more confident and brave about stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on new challenges.
Renee, #OutwardBounder
SKH Holy Trinity Church Secondary School
Renee joined a five-day Outward Bound course through the Pedal Power Fund, and those days made a real difference. She developed new leadership skills, became a better decision-maker, and set meaningful goals. The experience boosted her confidence, encouraged her to try new things, and helped her recognize the value of teamwork and trusting others. Renee walked away more resilient, ready to step out of her comfort zone, and excited to take on new challenges.
Over the past 11 years, Pedal Power has raised over HK$10 million and sponsored outdoor experiential education for more than 3,400 underprivileged students.
Learning outside the classroom, in nature, allows students to build confidence and communicate better with others.
Lam Sir Teacher from SKH Holy Trinity Church Secondary School
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