The Government started recruiting mentees (students) through local networks and secondary schools on 8 September. Students can enquire and apply for the Programme through their schools and District Organisers. Eligible students can complete the electronic application form at this dedicated website. Recruitment will end on 28 September.

The Social Welfare Department will select 2 000 mentees through drawing lots. Applications from eligible students who are not admitted to the first cohort will be kept for the next cohort, subject to the student’s consent.

The Programme lasts for one year. Mentees are required to attend about 9 sessions of activities under four categories, including orientation programme; basic training (compulsory and elective); group visits (at least 3 sessions); graduation ceremony.

Considering that the organisations/schools running the CDF Projects have arranged relevant training and matched mentors for the students, and some have also started to formulate personal development plans, students who are currently participating in CDF Projects will not be accorded priority for joining the Programme for better use of public funds.

Students who have completed CDF Projects may apply if they meet the eligibility criteria of the Programme.

The Chief Secretary for Administration has sent letters to various private enterprises/corporations, professional associations and public/statutory bodies, etc., to invite nominations of mentors with rich life experience.

The eligibility criteria of mentors are as follows:
- aged 21 or above, with preference for younger ones
- engaged in employment and are able to offer job shadowing in the mentor’s workplace
- able and willing to communicate with the youth
- responsible and committed, with a positive mindset and optimistic personality;
- have rich life experience, and are open and frank to share his/her experience with the mentee
- prepared to actively participate throughout the one-year Programme

Each mentee will be paired with a mentor. If a mentee has expressed his/her career aspiration or specific interests in the application form, he/she will be matched with the mentor with related background as far as possible.

The start-up sum is for the mentees to achieve their personal development plans under the guidance of the mentors.

An impact assessment will be conducted by the research team of a tertiary institution with relevant experience, including designing questionnaires and arranging mentees, mentors and parents to complete the questionnaires before and after the Programme, so as to assess the effectiveness of the Programme based on pre-set impact indicators.

This is a pilot programme which will last for one year. After accumulating experience and reviewing its effectiveness, the Government will consider enhancing the Programme and launching the second cohort after one year.

The Programme will provide a Guide for Mentor (download here) and one session of training for mentors, which will cover the details of the Programme and points to note, as well as training on understanding youth and mastering mentor's role and skills. Mentors are required to attend the related training and are encouraged to study the Guide for Mentor. If you encounter any difficulties, you can inform and seek support from the Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups or District Organizers.