Evangelical Children’s Home and Rotary District 3450 launched the “Break the Wave Program – Rotary and Homeless Youth” for the 18-year-old homeless youth, and jointly held the “Paddling Upstream for Dreams” Sharing Session on November 17. This is to encourage homeless Youth to muster up courage to overcome difficulties, go upstream and set sails for dreams.
Wong Cho Lam’s sharing – “Upstream of Life “
At the “Paddling Upstream for Dreams” Sharing Session, Wong Cho Lam shared his own background and experience in overcoming barriers at bad times to cheer up the homeless youth. He encouraged them to stand firm and never give up in seeking for their dreams against adverse situations. Students were encouraged to work hard to plan for their future.
Wong Cho Lam remarked frankly that he could “never imagine” whether he could succeed or not when he was young. He only believed in moving towards his goals and dreams step by step. Whatever job opportunity or role he had taken, he sticked to his motto of “Try my best, but prepare for the worst”, and to work hard. Even though he failed, he would never be discouraged and give up.
He believed that young people are like the seeds, while the soil, sunshine and water nurturing its growth could be the encountering with people, friends, frustrations and the self-reflection. He also believed that even encountering barriers like “countering current”, there could always be a way out to “break the wave”. As long as we learned to “just take it easy” and “relax to see where the current would take us, maybe surprisingly, it would bring us to the downstream again.”
Wong Cho Lam’s sharing – “Upstream of Life “
From left: Dr. Eric Chin, PDG of Rotary District 3450, Ms. Vivian Law, Superintendent of Evangel Children’s Home, Mr. Law Kai Hong, Vice Chairman of Board of Directors of Evangel Children’s Home, Wong Cho Lam, Honored Guest, Ms. Bee Chan, the Founding President of Rotary Club of Braemar Hill and the Organizing Committee Chairman of the “Break the Wave Program – Rotary and Homeless Youth”.
Homeless Youth Personal Stories
The sharing guests also included Manci Man, the founder of M PATISSERIE in making art cakes and she was brought up from children home, Siu Yue Ming, a youth beneficiary of Evangel Children’s Home, “Flying Star” and “Strong Baby”, graduates of HKCC and also aging out youth from children’s homes. Singer-songwriter Chaelia Wong also sang for the event the theme song.
Even if you fail to “win at the starting line”, it does not mean that you will always be behind. As long as you have a goal, are willing to kick start, and put in the greatest perseverance and effort, you can finally start a second new life and create your own future.
