Hongkong Land is dedicated to supporting youth development as the key to building vibrant cities, and a sustainable future. Today, Hongkong Land HOME FUND announced that over the next three years, it will invest over HK$4 million in Impact Fund for Future, the latest project of SideBySide, to equip disadvantaged young people with the skills and capabilities to thrive in the job market. Founded in 1957, SideBySide is a NGO dedicated to social inclusion, provides various essential services for employment, community and cultural inclusion, mental wellness, housing, social rehabilitation, and public education.
The Impact Fund for Future primarily targets rehabilitated youth, aiming to build a continuous funding mechanism for upskilling and reskilling. Over the next three years, with the support from Hongkong Land HOME FUND, Impact Fund for future will provide successful applicants with loans of up to HK$50,000 to spend on educational courses that spur personal and professional growth. By helping disadvantaged young people stay competitive in tomorrow’s job market, the initiative encourages social mobility and paves the way for their future success. The Impact Fund for Future provides a timely solution for young people who need immediate assistance and ultimately bolsters the development of a healthy workforce in Hong Kong.
Over the past six decades, SideBySide has helped young people and their families reach their full potential through a variety of programmes, including life and career exploration, mentorship and placement opportunities, skills training, and access to vital resources. The partnership between Hongkong Land HOME FUND and SideBySide uplifts Hong Kong’s disadvantaged youth, including those leaving rehabilitation centres, those with physical disabilities, and those from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
“Hongkong Land HOME FUND’s joint effort with SideBySide improves the upskilling infrastructure available to disadvantaged youth, and creates more career pipelines for the young talent in our community,” said Natalie Wu, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hongkong Land. “As we celebrate the achievements of Hongkong Land HOME FUND, we look forward to the future and seeing the results of our CSR initiatives.”
“Partnering with Hongkong Land HOME FUND allows us to extend our reach and amplify the support we can offer. Together, we can create pathways for success and foster a brighter future for all. At SideBySide, we are committed to fostering social inclusion, and supporting vulnerable members of our community. We believe everyone deserves to belong, and champion social inclusion. This collaboration not only boosts the availability of much-needed resources but also empowers young individuals from all walks of life to make meaningful contributions to society” said Anthea Lee, Chief Executive at SideBySide.
Hongkong Land HOME FUND invested more than HK$110 million into various community projects
Hongkong Land’s partnership with SideBySide began in 2021 when the two organisations launched the Key to Success programme, which offered career training and counselling to over 1,000 young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Hongkong Land HOME FUND further supported the additional programme Key to Success 2.0 to connect ethnically diverse youth with various career opportunities through tailored career exploration schemes, as well as Chinese language learning.
The collaboration has already yielded tangible results in supporting young people to excel in their studies, plan careers effectively, and grow in all aspects of life. Some of the beneficiaries are now employed by major corporations, including Hongkong Land.
Mellissa, a beneficiary from an ethnically diverse background and a graduate of the City University of Hong Kong, shares her experience: “Graduating with a Bachelor of Social and Behavioural Sciences (Criminology) was an achievement I had to fight for, especially as my family struggled financially.” She adds: “The pre-employment workshops and job tasters provided by Key to Success were essential for my growth. My current internship with Hongkong Land's Corporate Social Responsibility department has expanded my perspectives. I am confident that this year-long internship programme will significantly contribute to my future professional advancement.”
Hongkong Land HOME FUND’s work with SideBySide exemplifies the company’s mission to drive positive change for those in need within Hong Kong society. During the last four years, Hongkong Land HOME FUND has invested more than HK$110 million into various community projects, significantly advancing the lives of over 500,000 beneficiaries. With 100+ NGO partners, the fund has successfully executed initiatives that address housing challenges and support youth development.
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