Co-President – Dr. Bill Tsang
Every Champion Needs a Village
Mrs. Hui joined the “Everyone is a Champion” programme with her son Ah Shan, who has autism. She was more nervous than her son. Ah Shan had dropped out of high school, struggled with studies, and had trouble making friends. “He’s very smart,” she said, “but he’s becoming more withdrawn.” She feared his future was closing in and worried about losing him.
Neurodiversity means people’s brains work differently in how they process information, emotions, learning, and social interactions. This includes autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. These young people often notice details others miss, think in pictures, and are deeply passionate about what they love. But school can feel like a small boat in a storm—hard to navigate.
Many neurodiverse youth struggle not just with schoolwork but also with social pressure. Almost all have faced bullying—some openly, some by being ignored. School can feel overwhelming: bright lights, noisy hallways, and confusing social rules. They’re not unintelligent—they carry invisible burdens. Stress makes it hard to focus, anxiety affects memory, and depression dims their world. Even simple homework can feel like climbing a cliff. They fall behind and feel ashamed.
Mental health is a serious issue. Compared to typical youth, neurodiverse youth have much higher levels of anxiety and depression, and are over twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempts. This is a crisis that needs both empathy and action. But they also have great inner strength. With the right space and support, they can shine. Many do well in STEM—visual thinking, pattern recognition, problem-solving. Others are great storytellers, creative thinkers, or offer unique insights. Sadly, these talents are often hidden by daily struggles, and adults focus only on their weaknesses.
“Everyone is a Champion” is our response. We shift from seeing deficits to seeing gifts. We affirm their identity: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Through small wins and meaningful challenges, we build confidence and motivation. We teach practical skills—coding, design thinking, media creation—based on their interests, turning curiosity into ability. In safe groups, they grow social courage and self-worth. We also support parents, showing new ways to connect: less commanding, more listening and accepting. We ask not “What’s wrong?” but “What are the strengths?”
We hold onto this promise: “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Fragility doesn’t hide the treasure—it shows its value. With patient mentors, engaging environments, and strong community support, hidden treasures can shine.
Three months later, Ah Shan not only built a working mobile app, but also confidently presented it to his classmates—an amazing step for someone who hadn’t been in school for years and was usually quiet. When Mrs. Hui signed him up for the next course, she had tears in her eyes—not from fear, but relief. “I’m so happy,” she whispered. “My son is coming back.”
Every champion needs a village. Let’s be that village—weathering storms, seeing potential, awakening God’s image, and paving the way for neurodiverse youth to run free.
In this newsletter:
- At the farewell night of “One Youth Hub,” 30+ chairs lined Kam Tin Main Street, symbolising a new journey.
- The coffee team took “Coffee’s Alternative” outside, helping youth gain confidence.
- Isaac, an intern from youCodia, saw students in SEN classrooms go from silent to speaking, from isolated to cooperative.
- Ah Shan rediscovered his passion through coding and storytelling.
- Project Just-Comp travelled from Manila to Nairobi, where children’s laughter and tears reminded us: love brings justice.
These stories remind us that every young person is a treasure. Even if they seem fragile (like jars of clay), they reflect God’s glory (2 Corinthians 4:7). Thank you for walking with us and praying—turning ordinary days into moments of miracles.
Let’s keep walking together, making hope not just words, but real actions.