The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant:

Youth Volunteer Network (VNET)

「Uniting Youth Volunteers and Contributing to Society」  

The first Hong Kong Youth Volunteer Network (VNET) was established by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in 1998 to encourage participation in volunteer services and promote youth volunteerism. Since 2005, VNET has been funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and re-named as The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Project Grant: Youth Volunteer Network . The number of registered VNET members exceeded 140,000 by 2011 with over 260 schools and organizations as registered, affiliated members.

Each year VNET contributes 500,000 service hours to the community. Since 2003, it has been awarded the “Top 10 Highest Service Hours Award (Public Organizations)” by the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Volunteer Service in recognition of its dedication to promoting youth volunteerism in Hong Kong .

Our motto, the joy of serving is its own reward , reflects our experience of volunteering. Volunteers not only give love and care to community, but also acquire new knowledge and skills by giving back to community, thus gaining a sense of self-enhancement and satisfaction. Believing that volunteering is good for personal growth and development, VNET has a flexible volunteer registration system makes it simple for young people to fit volunteering to their schedules, interests and strengths. VNET is also committed to connecting with companies, government departments and organizations in order to solicit their support and recognition of the potential and contribution made by young volunteers.

Community-based Volunteer Network

To promote volunteerism actively and showcase young people's contributions to the community, VNET has an annual campaign called I am a Volunteer , in response to Global Youth Service Day in April, and International Volunteer Day in December. In addition, VNET has publishes a series called 20 Stories of Youth Volunteers Series thereby getting media coverage of young people in volunteering. VNET also set up the Community Youth Volunteer Corps t o meet local community needs and achieve greater social impact.

School-based Volunteer Network

VNET began conducting its Service Learning Programme in 2004, as part of the primary and secondary school curriculum, encouraging young people to offer an unselfish commitment and contribution to their community. The Heart to Heart Project, launched by VNET i n 2005, involves schools and companies. They volunteer their time, services and resources for the community. Schools pledge volunteer service hours and companies are corporate sponsors for their projects. VNET also nurtures a group of enthusiastic young people as goodwill ambassadors to showcase Hong Kong 's hospitality to the world through the Hong Kong Young Ambassador Scheme , which has been well received by schools and students for the last ten years.

Project-based Volunteer Services

VNET makes full use of its network to unite youth volunteers. For example, local students studying overseas are invited to get involved every summer as volunteer English tutors for poor, needy students. Another project, launched in 2007, reconnects senior citizens with their community through the positive, caring action of young people. Rice for the Needy: Volunteers in Action is another example. Introduced in 2010 in response to the ageing problem and poverty gap in Hong Kong , it provides rice for poor families by donations every month distributed by volunteers.

Due to the good performance and high spirits of our youth volunteers, VNET maintains well-established partnerships with other groups and organizations. The network offers many opportunities for young people to be volunteers or become ambassadors at large-scale, international events and functions, acting as hosts who extend hospitality to guests from around the world.

Professional Development

Over the years, numbers of volunteers have steadily increased, as has the service's professionalism. By producing professional publications and teaching aids an d offering professional training programmes, VNET transfers to volunteer managers the wisdom and knowledge gained in practice, helping to sustain and enhance the enthusiasm to serve.

Recognition of Volunteers

To recognize and reward the contribution of youth volunteers, VNET has set up a comprehensive award system, consisting of five badges and certificates. Awards also go to outstanding youth volunteers and those who have an outstanding record of service hours. Youth volunteers so awarded are nominated for various exchange programmes and advanced training programmes.

Contact us :
Room 914, 9/F, Youth Square, 238 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Tel : 2169 0032
Fax : 2893 3034
Email : yvn@hkfyg.org.hk
Website : yvn.hkfyg.org.hk