Youth Difference Makers Award
The Story Behind
“Making a difference in the lives of others, whether big or small, can lead to a more meaningful and fruitful life.” Inspired by Rick Hansen’s spirit of being a “Difference Maker”, the Youth Difference Makers Award (YDMA) was first introduced by the HKSCIFund in June 2011. With the staunch support from many enthusiastic organisations, the event has been proven to be a remarkable success with over 5,000 participants over the years. This year, the Sir Edward Youde Scholars Association is organising the YDMA on a larger scale by incorporating it into our year-round Youth Programme. We aspire to promote a movement of making a difference in the lives of others, and to build up a critical mass of Difference Maker Ambassadors in Hong Kong. The award scheme aims at encouraging students to lead a meaningful life by becoming a “Difference Maker” in enhancing the lives of others and to make the world a more caring, welcoming and harmonious place.
The Star Thrower
The logo of YDMA was inspired by the story of “Starfish”. The original story was written by Loren Eiseley in his book The Star Thrower. Many have then adapted the story replacing the original characters with new ones.
The logo of YDMA was inspired by this version.
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”
Target
All Youth Programme Participants are eligible for the Award. Participants shall form group of three under the two categories below and submit the proposals.
| Categories | Student Type |
| Junior | Secondary 2 or below |
| Senior | Secondary 3 or above |
Criteria
The project can be in any area of humanities aiming at any group of beneficiaries, such as enhancing personal core values in others, enhancing inter-personal relationships or promoting social well-being in society.
Each project will be evaluated on four criteria:
Social Change
Passion
Innovation
Sustainability
Award Scheme
Youth Difference Makers Awards
In recognition of their accomplishment to bring dreams and life-changing ideas buried in their mind to life and share with others, ONE outstanding group will be awarded from each category. A trophy will be given to the winning team.
Youth Difference Makers Merit
To be given to all particpants of Experience Programme and In-depth Programme.
Youth Difference Makers Recognition
To be given to participants of the Youth Programme as a recognition of their achievement in becoming a Youth Difference Maker. A pin and a certificate of commission will be given to each participant. Participants will be eligible to join the “SEYSA Difference Makers Club” for exclusive activities.
Most Enthusiastic School Award
To be presented to two schools (1 primary school and 1 secondary school) with the highest number of participating students.
Program To Join
Days of Training in a Year
Personal Breakthrough
Amazing Results
The Youth Programme Information Kit
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