- Objectives
In partnership with the Zhaojue County Government, MSI aims to train and encourage local youth so they can be contributing and valued members of society. Together we have developed facilities for the youth to acquire vocational skills as well a venue for healthy activities.
We aim to provide a holistic education with an emphasis on character-building, skills and values transfer, community service to bring meaning into the life of young people, poverty alleviation, and economic help through enterprise/business start-up support.
- Introduction
The Zhaojue Youth Center was jointly set up by MSI and the Zhaojue County Government in October 1999 as a vocational and educational center for youth. It focuses on:
- providing a healthy recreational environment for young people;
- providing vocational skills training for young people;
- helping locals to start micro-business or assisting them in their search for work placement opportunities.
Since its establishment, the Youth Center has provided more than 70 training classes in areas such as sewing, computer skills, building and construction, English, home economics, agriculture, woodwork, and business marketing. It also offers English summer camps and soccer training for children.
More than 1,500 students have attended the classes. Of these, some have started their own businesses while others are employed in various provinces or have remained in simulated-business companies run by the Youth Center. Another 200 students have returned to their villages to improve their farms or have started cottage industries.
Apart from the training courses, students enjoy extracurricular activities such as cooking, knitting, rock-climbing, singing, dancing, and sports. They also participate in character-building sessions.
- Current Projects
In 2004, the Zhaojue Youth Center underwent reconstruction initiated by the County Government. The aim was to expand its service to four neighboring counties.
The Youth Center's art and craft products based on ethnic designs are popular with overseas customers. We have received purchase orders for these cultural products, which helps create job opportunities for ex-students, and on-the-job-training for trainees. In addition, the funds generated are re-directed to the Youth Center.
MSI also organizes various cultural exchange teams from different countries. Each year, we have about 10 short-term teams visiting the Youth Center providing different training courses, cultural exchange activities and camps.
- Current Sites / Partnering Institutes
The Youth Center is run under the leadership of a Board Committee made up of members from the County Government and MSI.
- Opportunities
MSI is now developing a new youth program in Chongqing in collaboration with a local business university and overseas trainers. If you have skills in any of the areas mentioned above and have a heart for youth, we welcome you to join us! It is a privilege and adventure to be able to serve the youth in China and to share their joys and sorrows.
