R21 Youth Programme, aimed at addressing social issues faced by persons with Down Syndrome (PwDS) in Hong Kong, with a particular focus on the realms of employment and social inclusion.

While Hong Kong as a city has improved significantly over the past decades in terms of inclusivity – as highlighted in our recent interview with the Vocational Training for People with Disabilities Office’s Senior Manager Shunlai Yang – PwDS nonetheless continue to encounter significant challenges when it comes to finding employment, building a career and integrating into wider society. Only 17.6% of individuals with Down Syndrome in our city are employed, a stark contrast to the 59% employment rate of the general workforce. Furthermore, even for those with disabilities who are employed, 30% make less than HK$10,000 per month, compared to the 20% of the general population in that bracket.

Given these circumstances, r é n recognises the urgent need to alleviate the many hurdles faced by PwDS when seeking employment and dispel common misconceptions revolving around their disabilities and capabilities. Funded by the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund) & Oxfam Hong Kong (Incubated by Oxfam Grant For Good), our R21 Youth Programme offers 108 individuals with Down Syndrome long-term, holistic support over the course of our two-year project cycle. Each year, 54 of them will receive a total of 1,296 hours of work experience complete with competitive remuneration, while 24 beneficiaries will receive comprehensive vocational training and job-specific training. On top of this, all PwDS in the R21 programme will also have the opportunity to attend a myriad of activities aimed at fostering social connections and the development of new skills, such as community gatherings, sporting events, and yoga and wellness workshops.

Through the R21 Youth Programme, r é n endeavours to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in our society and workforce, enhancing the employability of PwDS and equipping them to make more informed decisions about their future careers through experiences with our corporate and institutional partners, tailored support systems such as buddy/mentor programmes, and post-placement support and follow-ups.

“After getting to know some of these individuals and seeing their potential for growth and what they need to fulfil that potential, we’ve designed these programmes to provide them with the necessary support to flourish in the workforce,” says r é n founder Jo Soo Tang. “These programmes aren’t created just to look good or tick boxes, so we’ve put a lot of thought into how they can best benefit the people we’re trying to help. There are many misconceptions about PwDS, and the stigma continues to be there, but by integrating them into our workplace and including them in our lives, we can foster a greater sense of understanding. With patience, empathy, and guidance, we can break down these barriers and help these individuals find a sense of belonging and self-worth.”