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The 100 mentees of the second cohort of the Leadership Institute on Narcotics (L.I.O.N.) graduated in December 2023. The one-year programme not only equipped them with anti-drug knowledge, but also nurtured their leadership skills for them to become young leaders who promoted a new wave of anti-drug culture in schools and community by leveraging their peer network.
In January 2023, 80 secondary school students and 20 university students embarked on their anti-drug adventure to become members of L.I.O.N. Apart from arranging mentees to visit a drug-addiction treatment centre and correctional facilities, L.I.O.N. also organised a diverse range of indoor and outdoor training on anti-drug knowledge and leadership skills tailored by specialist advisers from different professions. Moreover, L.I.O.N. also arranged a visit to Humen and an exchange programme in the Mainland to deepen mentees’ understanding of national anti-drug strategies and in-depth exchange with young people from Shenzhen.
After a series of training, mentees applied what they had learnt into their innovative anti-drug campaigns, including anti-drug drama and performance, immersive experience with VR and AR technology, original board games and game booths, to foster positive values among peers in 20 secondary schools. Mentees also launched their original anti-drug campaign by setting up their own anti-drug booth at Love Our Life - LOL Party 2023 held by the Narcotics Bureau, as well as making use of the anti-drug promotion truck to educate the public about the harmful effects of drugs.
At the Graduation Ceremony cum High Table Dinner on December 8, 2023, L.I.O.N.’s Executive Committee members, professional trainers, instructors, principals and teachers of the participating schools gathered to celebrate the mentees’ accomplishment. The night climaxed with the surprise appearance of Mr Andy Lau as a special guest who gave words of encouragement to mentees on the spot. Mr Lau and Commissioner Siu Chak-yee also presented certificates and scholarships to mentees with excellent performances. The ten outstanding mentees will join an exchange trip to New Zealand in early 2024 to share their experience in delivering anti-drug messages with local stakeholders and youths.
In the past year, all mentees successfully spread anti-drug messages among over 30 000 citizens. Looking ahead, L.I.O.N. will keep nurturing leaders of the next generation and working towards a drug-free community. The third cohort of L.I.O.N will commence in January 2024.
