300 Hong Kong Students Compete to Volunteer Abroad, Up from 50
More young people want to help kids in need — and it's changing lives.
A Hong Kong volunteer group called Dream Compassioneers is seeing a surge in interest from students who want to help children in need. About 300 students applied this year for roughly 30 spots on an overseas service programme, up from just 50 applicants last year. The group, founded in 2020, runs projects in Cambodia, the Philippines, Nepal, and even Zambia. Co-founder Chan Yik-yeung says the response shows what students can achieve when trusted with responsibility.
Why does this matter to you? If you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about the next generation, this shows that young people are eager to do good — they just need the chance. Volunteering abroad helps students build skills like leadership, empathy, and problem-solving. It also brings direct help to children in poor communities, from teaching to building schools. And it's not just a one-way street: the students often come back more confident and motivated.
The catch? Only about 10% of applicants get a spot, so many eager students miss out. Also, overseas volunteering can be costly and may raise questions about whether short trips truly help. But the trend is clear: more young people want to serve. If you know a student, encourage them to apply — or support local groups that make these trips possible.
- 300 students applied for 30 overseas volunteer spots, up from 50 last year.
- Dream Compassioneers runs service trips to Cambodia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Zambia.
- The group says giving students responsibility helps them grow and make a real difference.
Why It Matters
More young people are stepping up to help others, building skills and changing lives worldwide.