Youth-led

New UX / Youth-led

Youth-led Initiatives

The transformation of youths from passive service recipients to an active service contributors through 21C@JC is best reflected through the 1700+ Youth-led initiatives and 140+ Youth Advisors incubated over past few years. Many of the exemplary cases that have truly demonstrated youth-centric transformation in their service design and delivery:

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The Transformation Journey of Youth Advisors

Shining a Light on Hidden Inequalities

At 21C@JC, Sze To shifted from passively following instructions to actively leading. Through multiple community explorations, he identified hidden social inequalities and transformed them into experiential projects under the frameworks of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). He firmly believes that collective experiences, when accumulated, form a powerful pathway to change.

SzeTo

@hea.everyday

The Moment the Treasure Bag is Opened

From YouthCreate to 21C@JC, Kathy’s role shifted from a participant to an active Youth Advisor. She initiated local culture projects and transformed random spaces into welcoming rest corners, feeling like she wasn’t just using the services anymore— but rather reshaping the center itself. With less restrictions and more encouragement to try, she learned how to bring big ideas to life. The treasure bag opened up because of trust and her own willingness to take charge.

From Being Fired to Being Seen: A Journey of Self-Exploration

Sam entered the center at six years old, and is still going strong at twenty-two. He proposed a "Coffee Cat Service Day" after being “fired”, blending coffee, music and service with under "mood-menu" order slips to help address emotions. From making music solo to cross-center gigs and dedicated showcases, he’s moved from just showing up to making active choices about his future.

Flipping the Playground: the Ideation of a Shared Community Language

Faye’s early pitching proposals fell short, but the feeling of being seriously listened to made Faye believe change was possible. As a Youth Advisor, she brought youth voices straight into meetings and stayed flexible on the ground. Her "Flipped Playground" project brought the fun out into the streets, turning joy into a shared community language.

His “Think-do” Journey from “GAME CEN（ゲーセン）” to meaningful action

Even though he lives far away, 怪叔叔keeps coming back—because he feels the people here actually listen. From renovation talks to naming the space "GAME CEN," his ideas actually became a reality, which encouraged him to further level up as a baking instructor. As he moved from participant to collaborator, he has stuck to one belief: meaningful things are worth the extra travel time, and anything doable is better done together.

Shifting Roles Within the Crowd: From Obedient Follower to Courageous Leader

Under 21C@JC, Yoyo shifted from just ticking off tasks to really thinking about the purpose and the people involved. By building the “Illusion Theatre” from the ground up with her partner, she helped turn it into a community that can actually last. She also moved from the spotlight to backstage, handling the logistics so others could shine. Whenever the team felt doubtful, she was the one to remind everyone of their original intentions. Today, she’s not just following the script—she’s leading the show.

From Japan to Hong Kong: “Yorozuya @ YWCA Western”

After the InnoTeen exchange in Japan, Winfield brought back a spirit of mutual response. He co-launched the “Yorozuya @ YWCA Western” collecting community real needs before matching youth responses— everything from tutoring and medical visits to grocery runs and community events. By clearly explaining the “why” and designing the workflow, Winfield turned neighborhood support into an everyday practice.

From Participant to New Service Designer

After some time away, Linda returned through 21C@JC, growing from a volunteer into a new service curator. She led the “Lunch Buddies,” planned life-skills programs for kids, and developed a recognizable visual style for the center. Being “heard” turned into real results, allowing the center to become a “third space” where growth and creativity can actually take root for the long haul.

Dare to Speak × Dare to Try: the “Bik Chik Club” and “Love Research Lab,”

Jasmine transformed from a just passer-by borrowing space to a confident voice with ownership. Through the “Bik Chik Club” and “Love Research Lab,” she turned random gossip turned into mutual support and deep discussion. Catwalk rehearsals captured Jasmine’s glow-up—moving from hesitation to total confidence as she hopes to bring more girls onto the stage—not to please anyone else, but to live joyfully and authentically.

Shadows Under the Light: Variations in G-Major

Led into the centre by friends, Gary found a sense of belonging after participating in the youth-led project pitching. He went from participant to the ultimate reliable support—setting up venues, tidying up, and sweating the small stuff—holding down the rhythm without taking the spotlight. Building his capacity at a comfortable pace, he connected people through music and made the laughter last a little longer. Together, they walked steadier and further, proving there’s plenty of light even beyond the stage.

Adventure across the “First-Times” of A Hong Kong Youth

Ah To experienced a chain reaction of “first-times” under 21C@JC. The centre gave him his first shot at filming an advertisement; which resulted in him giving the center its first micro-film story. From recruitment mechanisms to themed workshops, he repeatedly translated youth language into grounded, practical action, hoping more of his peers can have the opportunity experience their own “first times.”

His Music Journey From “Free Rider’ to “Flag Bearer”

The founding of “New Body Music” and hosting a truly self-owned concert was the bold idea that became Jacklee’s turning point. He has long admired the guitarist Jason Kui, by whom he successfully invited to their concert through sliding into his Instagram DMs along with some staff support. For the first time, he realized he could turn an “impossible” dream into a live, on-site reality.

When Friday Street Buskings Became a Habit

Gigi went from being too shy to speak to owning the mic. During his first performance under 21C@JC, when his partner forgot the lyrics, Gigi kept the vibe going by singing the whole song without skipping a beat. Friday rehearsals and Saturday buskings gradually became his new routine. He started proposing setlists, picking locations, and taking charge of the planning. As his role evloved from performer to organizer, the center started feeling like family—as his music drew everyone's hearts together.

ANY BAR: A stage for “Story Drinks”

ANY BAR is a stage for “trail and error”, where Aurora was allowed to turn her imagination into menus, transforming mocktails into drinks inspired by real-life stories and emotions. Workers gladly left the decision making in Aurora’ hands, encouraging her to grow from a passive helper into an active designer and leader through repeated trials, feedback, and adjustments. She now strongly believes in the contagiousness of sincerity—with its power to bring people closer through stories.

The Dream Lab for Exceeding Boundaries

While it is typically not expected to have mahjong at centres, Michelle brought one back and pitched for tables to organized a “Sports Mahjong Tournament” that mixed mental focus with physical movement to burn calories. She argued that with a healthy design and clear rules, mahjong could be a way to learn and connect. To such cause, not only did she successfully deliver the event, but she also documented the whole experience to help other youths looking to exceed boundaries.

Navigating his Home Pitch

William led the “Chuk Yuen Community Gym,” optimising equipment and workflows from a user’s perspective while establishing a self-management system. On the pitching stage, he transformed from a supporting role into the main presenter and coordinator. Through building an equal partnership with social workers, he completed the shift from participant to navigator.

“Just do it—we’ve got your back”

Tony transformed from participant to initiator by launching a marathon running project. He organised training, set goals, designed the team gear, and recruited his peers. From 3K to 10K, and from 3 people to over 10, he learned that trust gives people the guts to speak up and try. The words “Just do it—we’ve got your back” became his ultimate support. Crossing the finish line, he realized true change isn't about speed, but about having the power to decide—from bottom-up instead of top-down.

The Learning journey that only Comes After Falling

The failure of Tommy’s first youth-led coffee class did not stop him. He reviewed every step with social workers and redesigned the course to focus on latte art. By the second eight-session run, participants were actively asking him questions and even sending thank-you notes afterward—naturally calling him “Tommy Sir.” What he really learned was how to systematize his passion, turning “I know how” into “everyone knows how.”

Healing through the Voices of Drawings and Words

Cherry’s digital illustrations were featured at the centre entrance with the caption: “If you don’t give up in despair, there will be light.” After the centre renovation, she was invited to collab on visual designs and Instagram content. Her art moved beyond her own feed, becoming shared messages of visuals and words. As she reflects: “I used to only care if my drawings were ‘good’ enough. Now, I care more about whether they actually resonate and encourage others.”

Beginning in her room and ending on a stage

Vanessa came to the centre because she loved singing. Feeling seen and trusted, she decided to take that passion to the next level—moving from casual singing to teaching others, from member to instructor, and from a private room to a public stage. Practice turned into real connection, and her confidence and creativity took root in the community. Growing alongside the center, her journey was rich and fulfilling: from a stage, to a team, to a community, and a future.

Believing in “Nothing Is Impossible” and actualizing it

Tinny first turned belief into practice, then grounded practice in action. Over two years, she brought her design vibes into actual programs while leveling up her patience and workflow. Tinny was the one reminding the team, “Let’s start,” whenever things got real. Even when experiments hit a wall or moved backward, she believed in grinding together and never quitting, moving steadily on this journey from the inside out even to this day.

The Transformation: From a Passive Participant to an Active Youth Advisor

Horus went from a participant who just happened to show up in the summer to stepping up on stage to finish his first-ever pitch—expressing himself clearly and staying cool under pressure, allowing his ideas to be fully seen for the first time.. Collaborating closely with his teammates, he co-created "Catfish Game", a project rooted in youth culture that sparked strong engagement. When responsibility was entrusted, Horus’ leadership naturally emerged.

Passing on Her Passion for Cosplay

Suen Gor grew from a reserved player into a composed mentor. She brought professional cosplay skills back to the centre, successfully igniting the passion of peers who shared the same interests. She learned how to coordinate, stay committed, and lead a team, proving that when passion is passed on, it brings a sense of accomplishment beyond imagination—and those skills extend right into her daily life.

The “Chill Arena” Experiment

With the “Chill Arena” being the centre’s main attraction, Wincy attempted to broaden the entry point for non-gaming youths by adding complementary elements, such as mocktail parties, interactive games, and live performances. She and her coworkers played their parts, trusted each other, and shared openly. From the initial spark to execution, they brought the vision to life step-by-step, allowing a once one-dimensional brand to grow multiple layers—with the same clear direction, but a wider platform for participation.

New Space × Self-Healing Experience: Her Classroom of Light and Shadows

Amidst the light and shadows of the centre’s "Ocean" theme, Emily and other youths created a space where people can dock and rest. Starting from 2D drawings on Procreate, the team transformed illustrations into animated projections, shaping the immersive scene of the "Chilling Corner." It has since helped Emily see her true self, drove engagement, and become a bridge connecting different communities, making visitors wanting to come back and keep moving forward together.

Her Kitchen Diplomacy: Connecting Different Circles Through Baking

Bowie began her “kitchen diplomacy” with a shared dinner in the centre’s kitchen, using food to break the ice and turn total strangers into friends at the same table. She soon became a Youth Advisor, launching the “Dream Bakery” to open future possibilities for younger peers, and extending the warmth of the centre’s kitchen to the wider community. Being trusted here has inspired her to become that person who can catch others when they fall.

From Guitar Class to his First Busking Band

Ah Yau first entered the centre in primary school and gradually worked his way up from a guitar student to a band member. With 21C@JC, he went beyond just looking for instant fun and jumped on stage as an MC, even kicking off the center’s first busking team. As the social workers stepped back, he stepped up—transforming not only his stage presence, but also his whole relationship with the centre.

Chamomile: Blooming Warmth and Ideas in the Community

Chu Pei connected with people through simple vibes—New Year street booths, festive treats, and the occasional "How are you?" After becoming a youth advisor, he learned to speak his mind: "Try, embrace the fails, and try again." Gradually, Chu Pei leveled up from a passive executor to an active representative, building real relationships through empathy and open dialogue.

Dream-Blended Coffee: From Trainee to Store Manager

After arriving in Hong Kong as a new immigrant student, Hoho eventually found his spot at the center through 21C@JC. Focused on "store owner development," he went from a punctual learner to the real deal—managing renovations, picking out equipment, handling internal training, and running the show at the YHour Cafe. Step by step, his dream of running a café actually became his reality.

With her Youth Advisor (YA) name card in hand, Gigi found the courage to step forward and take the lead. She initiated conversations through direct messages and helped launch an “Intern” programme—co-creating Instagram recruitment and delivering hands-on training, thereby revitalizing the centre’s boardgame corner. Not only did Gigi “place herself within,” but she also “welcomed more young people in,” opening more spaces for youth to shine.

Her Diary of Everyday Serendipities

Wing Yan’s journey from "just dropping by" to "staying for good" started with a guitar class back in 2024. Spending time in the renovated new space, she gradually moved from participant to contributor. Even though she usually calls herself rash and impatient, she turned steady and composed the moment she committed to leading. Watching others keep pace and succeed proved to her that this was a place worth sticking around for.

From “Tagging Along” to “Leading the Way”

One poster was all it took to draw Ho Ying into the center. One sentence—"I want to promote this"— was all it took to totally shift her from just a participant to a leader. She started writing youth-led proposals, organized a camp for emerging sports, and tested out wild ideas at the KT Union. In a space that was all about experimenting and encouraging “trial and error”, she launched creative projects like an "Emotion Phone Booth" and DSE speaking groups.

“The Smile of Shek Yam”: Transforming Creativity into a Public Language

With just a few strokes, Choco brought "Shek Yam Boy" to life, leveling it up from simple sketches into stickers, display boards, and a consistent visual vibe across the center’s platforms. Every time the mascot popped up, it spoke volumes for her, building up major trust and credibility. Going through this process made her feel totally "seen," which also imbued the mascot with more than just cuteness—but the symbolism of her journey towards professionalism.

A path of Co-Creation stemming from the centre’s refrigerato

It all began with a refrigerator- a refrigerator which inspired Agor that “participation equals decision-making plus operation and maintenance.” Through redesigning the “MatchFound” service app, he transformed activities into becoming youth-centric, while workers became equal partners to the youth. By observing staff meetings and understanding systematic pressure, he chose to first decide the direction with centre workers before delegating execution to Youth Advisors. True youth-adult partnership is not a 50/50 split, but a balance between courage and sincerity.

From feeling lost to finding his Life Compass at Skylab

Once confused about his future, Ah Fung rediscovered joy in collective achievement through farming, music, and cooking on the Skylab rooftop. He moved from enduring things alone to sharing responsibility with others, learning to trust and to be independent. This calm, grounded mindset became his “life compass,” guiding him to study counselling and psychology, with the hope of passing on this supportive strength to others.