The 10^th anniversary ceremony cum inauguration ceremony of the alumni association of the Path-finding Adventure Project (PAP) was held on 15 October 2022. The PAP is a positively framed prevention programme tailor-made for local secondary school students with special needs, echoing the University’s mission of safeguarding citizens’ well-being through research and public services. Over 200 guests gathered on this remarkable occasion to witness the growth of PAP participants.

At the event, alumni of the PAP talked about their journeys of overcoming physical and mental health challenges. “It is such an enlightening experience,” said one of them. “After participating in this project, I am motivated to overcome physical disabilities and become a member of the Hong Kong Para Table Tennis Team.”

An alumna with a family background of drug abuse said: “Meeting my mentor with a similar background helped me get through my mental illness and other obstacles in life. Currently working as a social worker trainee, I aspire to follow my mentor’s footsteps to help others by sharing personal experiences.”

To date, along with over 500 voluntary Fire Services Department (FSD) mentors, more than 1200 students from 41 secondary schools participated in the project and jointly walked through an unforgettable 10-month journey. Workshops for personal growth, path-finding, parent training and teaching support also help students grow into confident and responsible citizens who are motivated to embark on a fulfilling career. To pass the torch, the newly formed PAP Club (Alumni Association) will provide voluntary caring services to people in need.

The ceremony was officiated by Ms Alice Miss Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary of Home and Youth Affairs and Mr Yeung Yan Kin, Andy, Director of the Fire Service Department. The Project was founded by Professor Joseph Lau, Emeritus Professor and is currently coordinated by Professor Phoenix Mo, Associate Professor of the Centre for Health Behaviours Research of the University, in collaboration with the Fire Service Department and the Community Mental Health Association.

To read more stories about how PAP participants overcome challenges and achieve personal goals, please visit https://hkcmha.org/.