Story
Youth's Fear of Home - Touch The Lost with Music
His name is Baby. Despite having a baby face, Baby used to be feared by everyone. At school, he was a troublemaker; out in the street, he was a triad member and had once beaten somebody into a coma. Nevertheless, the tears of his parents and the perseverance of the Salvation Army social worker helped him renounce violence. Baby, now 18, plays his guitar and leads a band to sing the praises of life. What exactly do the young need? Let’s hear them out.
B = Baby
S = Kwong Ka-fai, The Salvation Army Chai Wan Integrated Service for Young People Social Worker
Q = Army Scene Reporter
Q：How did your teachers think of you as a student?
B：I did poorly at school and always played truant. I felt that the teachers always picked on me when I was in Form 3. You see, I received 58 demerit points within just one school term! When I was asked to stay in the same class, I quit. My mom took me to mainland China to repeat the year, but I wanted to give up the year after. Knowing my parents would be strongly against the idea, I ran away from home.
Q：What big mistakes have you made in your life?
B：During the six months after I left home, I was engaged in illegal activities with other people. Once I was with a gang of people who tried to teach a boy a lesson. I meant to tell him off, but my friends encouraged me and it turned into a brawl. I even stuck the boy into a rubbish bin! I told him not to report to the police. I thought everything would be fine. Much to my surprise, later on my friends sent me messages on WhatsApp saying, “We were all arrested, except for you!” At last, the police came and arrested me.
At the trial, I heard that the boy was beaten into a coma with several broken ribs, and was admitted to the ICU for a week. I was really frightened before sentencing. The moment when I saw my parents’ worried faces, I suddenly realised that I was truly their son and they cared much about me. It was a heartwarming moment. I was thankful that I wasn’t put into jail, but only sentenced to a probation order of one year. Thinking back, I regret having hurt someone.
Q：What are the changes in the relationship with your family before and after the incident?
B：In the past, my dad always scolded me and beat me. I was once beaten until my nose bled. Every time I failed my exams, I would wander around and dared not go home. I always ran away from home. My mom knew I joined the band at The Salvation Army, so she would wait for me at the Centre, but I would slip out as soon as I saw her.
After the incident, my parents showed their care more than ever. Once my dad said to me, “You wretch! You caused such big trouble. I saved up some money and was planning to go for a trip together.” I’ve never travelled before. I didn’t expect it at all. He started chatting and went fishing with me. As for my mom, recently she has started learning to play the bass guitar. She always asks me to teach her. I believe she’s trying to get closer to me. I’m really touched. Even though we can’t spend much time together, but at least I know I have a warm family.
Q：Since when did Baby start playing in the band in The Salvation Army?
S：In the past, we approached him when we saw him wandering around during our outreach service. We hoped that he would find his goals and commitment and acquire peace at the Salvation Army Centre. That was why we encouraged him to play in the band. After the band was set up, we could see him regularly and know how he got along with his family. We hoped to help them improve their relationship.
B：Ka-fai has changed me a lot. At the beginning I was quite off beam. I was always absent or late. Sometimes I was even drunk when I arrived at the Centre. When they scolded me, I just got mad and left. The band was even named “Criminal”. In less than a month, I really got arrested like a criminal. When I was on my probation order, Ka-fai asked me to join the band again. I asked, “Can I?” He said, “You can, as long as you have confidence in yourself.” His trust has supported me along the way.
I’m now the lead vocalist, guitarist and band leader of our band. I have to supervise the band’s practices and lead our performances. One of the band members always throws a tantrum, just like what I used to do, so I will act as the peacemaker. Sometimes some members are too shy and refuse to perform. I will say, “You should never look down on yourself.” You must get it done, or you will never succeed in anything. Sometimes I feel inferior too, but I shouldn’t appear feeble, or I will find myself incapable of teaching the others and owe them a lot.
The Salvation Army supports us the most. They allow me to form my band from scratch. It has given me a great sense of satisfaction, confidence and positive energy. Sometimes when things are tough, we may quarrel, but we know there are better ways to handle problems. I am grateful to Ka-fai for not giving up on us.
S：This is a journey of growth and practice. Baby is now indeed a perfect leader!
Q：What activities are the band involved in?
S：They turn their life stories into lyrics and songs. Through competitions and performances, many people in the neighbourhood know Baby. The Salvation Army even uploads their songs to the Internet, hoping to share their inner voices with their families and draw them closer. Baby’s mom was moved into tears after listening to his songs.
B：Through these channels, I want to help young people who are just like me. I hope they will listen to my songs and share the same feelings.
S：They also write songs about current affairs, sharing their own views. The Salvation Army offers stages for them to perform in front of people from the political and business sectors so that they can voice out for the disadvantaged and raise awareness about the young people. Some people from the business sector have promised to help them produce their album, which is now in the pipeline!
Bringing Street Children Back Home
The Salvation Army Chai Wan Integrated Service for Young People Outreach Service Working Team social workers reach out to young people wandering around outdoor pitches, fast food restaurants or parks. Through organising healthy recreational activities and providing services such as individual and family counselling, the young people may grow up in a caring community.
