Story
Mindset for Success Mentorship Scheme Helps Youth Seek Employment
“I was so lacking in self-esteem that I didn’t want to face the world,”said Kai. Born to a grassroots family, Kai is an introverted person who is not good at communicating with others. He seemed very distant from the society, feeling at a loss where to go. Having been trained and encouraged by The Salvation Army, however, Kai has identified his interests and strengths. With the support and affirmation of his mentor, Kai took up his courage to re-enter the workforce.
“I used to be afraid of everything...” faltered Kai. “I was afraid of getting along with others at work. After all, I wasn’t good at talking to others. I was afraid I would offend others.” After graduating from Form 6, Kai worked as a warehouse assistant and waiter, but ended up unemployed because he could not adapt to the work environment. Without knowing his self-worth and purpose of life, he was not motivated to find a job. Caught in frustration, his self-confidence hit rock bottom.
Rebuilding Confidence
After joining “Bright Mentors, Bright Mentees” Scheme organised by The Salvation Army Education and Employment Service, Kai began to see the road ahead clearly. The Salvation Army provided him with a series of employment training and seminars concerning selfunderstanding, goal setting, life planning, interview skills and so on. He learnt more about various industries and interrelationship with coworkers. After a series of systematic training, Kai was recruited as a dim sum apprentice at The Banqueting House. Monthly meetings and counselling by the Army’s social workers were arranged for him.
Life is never smooth sailing. At first, Kai only took up orders passively and did not know how to communicate or work with his colleagues. He is lucky to have his mentor Sang who treated him as his own son. As long as Kai is willing to learn, Sang will patiently teach him. He always encourages Kai to ask questions so that Kai can acquire new knowledge. During the first three months, the Salvation Army social worker regularly met with Kai and his mentor to help him understand his mentor’s expectations and encourage him to set short-term goals, helping him rebuild his self-confidence step by step. His mentor’s patience, guidance and colleagues’ acceptance have turned Kai into a person who devotes himself to his work.
Role Model
As a punctual and responsible person who keeps his promises, Sang has become a role model for Kai. He said, “From my mentor, I learn how to deal with problems and get along with people. I must always stay calm, and not be intimidated.” He tried his best to change himself. Not only did he strive to advance his dim sum making skills, but also took the initiative to communicate with his colleagues. His positive attitude was recognised by the company. He and his colleague were recommended to represent the company to take part in the “2016 Best of the Best Culinary Awards”. The team won the Silver Award in the Dim Sum (Rice Rolls) category, the first medal ever for Kai.
However, there are things more important than winning a medal. “I’m so blessed to have such a great mentor in my life,” Kai said to Sang. “I’m really grateful to you for putting heart and soul into teaching me and giving me an opportunity to take part in a competition and broaden my horizons.” Sang then said with a smile, “I’m happier than winning a medal myself!”
Kai has been staying in the job for over a year. He not only takes his mentor as his role model, but also wishes to pass on his spirit and become an outstanding dim sum master to train the next generation.
Care for Youth Leads to Win-win Situation
The Lucky House Group has joined The Salvation Army “Bright Mentors, Bright Mentees” Scheme since 2015, through which over 10 young people have been employed. Ms Apple Yu, Human Resources Manager of Lucky House Group, stated that the scheme has achieved notable results. Recruiting the new generation to the industry helps bridge the succession gap in manpower and fulfills corporate social responsibility. According to Ms Yu, there is a strong sense of affinity in the Chinese F&B industry. Traditionally, mentors treat their apprentices as their own children. Therefore, young people are encouraged to stay in the industry for long-term development, resulting in a win-win situation.
Kei is another successful example. She began working as a waitress in the Group through the scheme. She did want to quit before as she questioned her own ability, but her mentor and colleagues’ encouragement supported her and she persisted. Out of her humility, diligence and outstanding performance, Kei was promoted to Assistant Captain a year later, which has become her biggest motivation.
Support Underprivileged Youth
The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping underprivileged youth to overcome difficulties and play to their strengths at work. “Bright Mentors, Bright Mentees” Scheme aims to serve youth aged 15 to 29. During a 3-month fulltime paid internship, participants will be provided with guidance of experienced senior staff (the mentors) of the company, professional counselling of Salvation Army social workers, positive inspiration from life mentors, as well as a series of pre-employment training. All these help enhance their employability and confidence as they pursue their dreams and seek stable employment.
Now with more confidence, Kai is determined to be an outstanding dim sum master.
Kai and his colleagues represent their company and win the Silver Award in the Dim Sum (Rice Rolls) category in the “2016 Best of the Best Culinary Awards”.
Sang, Kai’s mentor, patiently guides him and teaches him the proper way to deal with things, helping Kai quickly adapt to the work environment.
The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping underprivileged youth to overcome difficulties and play to their strengths at work.
Kei (right) began working as a waitress in the Lucky House Group through the scheme. The left one is Ms Apple Yu, Human Resources Manager of Lucky House Group.
