Project Change is an apolitical and non-profit initiative that seeks to support the more than 6,500 youths under 25 arrested during the 2019 Anti-Extradition Bill Movement and their loved ones in overcoming hardships.
Introduction
During a spring gathering in 2020, a few higher education academics were extremely concerned about the arrest of many young people in relation to the social unrest of 2019. Under Under the auspices of a local think tank, Citizen Action Design (CADL), Dr Pauline Sung and Prof Yun Wing Sung had successfully mobilised a group of academics and professionals and decided to launch a cross-disciplinary counselling services to address the mental health needs of the 60% arrested youths under the age of 25 and their families.
Project Change advocates a youth-centered and family-center approach to therapeutic intervention with the goals to assist the youths and their loved ones to face up challenges arising from the prosecution, the trial, the sentence, the incarceration, and the reintegration. Entering into the fifth years of service, we have developed an evidence-based and practice-based program for this target group with a holistic psychosocial counselling, legal support, and a comprehensive reintegration program. As of May 2024, We have supported around 350 youths and their loved ones. Another achievement of Project Change is our apolitical stance and determination to work with stakeholders from different sectors and political orientation to promote the wellbeing of the convicted youths. This is our motto is to move beyond our political stance and to offer timely assistance to our youths as they are the future of Hong Kong.
ABOUT CADL
Citizen Action Design (CADL)
is a non-profit policy research think tank established in Hong Kong. The think tank specialises in youth, family and early childhood investment policy research, and aims to provide a platform for aspiring young researchers to collaborate with well-established and experienced scholars in policy advocacy and research.
CADL has four core functions with regard to Project Change:
VISION, MISSION & COMMITMENT
Our Vision
Igniting hope for our youth is igniting hope for Hong Kong. We envision a Hong Kong where society and its youths reconcile and make peace.
Our Mission
Enable arrested youths to be able to see value in themselves, become contributing members of society, see hope in their future and continue to pursue excellence in life.
Youth-oriented
We put the well-being of our youths, their families and loved ones at the forefront
Apolitical
We value trust. Our services are strictly non-partisan and politically neutral, and we do not receive grants from the government.
All-roundedness
We offer comprehensive and professional services that cater to our youths’ needs, from pending trial to completion of sentence.
Inclusive
We support our youths inclusively, regardless of their stance, circumstances or the the severity of their charges.
Arrested youths face a myriad of challenges ranging from mental and physical health issues to disruption to life plans and social stigma. Without the right interventions, it will be our society as a whole that bears the cost…
