1,000 Youngsters Reach for Their Dreams as Graduates of Cathay Pacific "I Can Fly" Program
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited | Apr. 05, 2008
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On April 5, one thousand Hong Kong teenagers formed an impressive sight as they gathered for the graduation ceremony of the 2007-2008 Cathay Pacific "I Can Fly" Programme. All the members of the programme were clad in special "I Can Fly" T-shirts for the event, held at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus in Hunghom.
The ceremony was hosted by Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler. Guests of honour were Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare with the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Norman Lo, Director-General of the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department. A number of senior representatives from airport-related companies and organisations that supported "I Can Fly" were also in attendance.
"I Can Fly" was set up by Cathay Pacific in 2003 to help young Hong Kong people learn more about aviation and, at the same time, develop a spirit of community involvement. For the past four months, the 1,000 members of the 2007-2008 "I Can Fly" have been tutored about all aspects of aviation, under the guidance of Cathay Pacific pilots, and also helped the community through self-designed social service activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tony Tyler said that as Hong Kong's airline, Cathay Pacific runs a number of community programmes, many of place a special emphasis on the needs and development of young people. "I Can Fly", which was established in 2003, is a core element of the airline's corporate social responsibility programme.
"When we set up 'I Can Fly' our aim was to help young people become more aware of their roles and responsibilities within society and at the same time help them reach for their dreams. A total of 3,000 members have graduated so far and many have continued their involvement in community services. And I'm delighted to say that quite a number of former members are also beginning new careers in the aviation industry," Mr Tyler said.
Extending his warmest congratulations to the graduates, Matthew Cheung said: "How lucky you are to have been recruited to this very special programme which makes your dream come true. Alongside lectures on aviation and aircraft engineering, you were given the opportunity to serve the less privileged in a series of social projects and activities. As much as you were thrilled by the wonders aloft, I am sure you were equally moved by the joy of giving."
Norman Lo said that "I Can Fly" has a useful role to play at a time when knowledge is more important than ever. "The younger generation needs to grab as many learning experiences as they can. This programme has not only provided an opportunity for local youngsters to learn about different aspects of aviation, but also creates a new platform for them to serve the community in a proactive manner. These experiences are invaluable to our next generation because they will help them to prepare for future challenges," said Mr Lo.
During the ceremony, "I Can Fly" members joined with Cathay Pacific pilots to speak about their experiences during the 2007-2008 programme.
A major highlight of the event was the naming of the 100 top performing members, who will enjoy unique reward trips to either Flight Training Adelaide in Australia, where Cathay Pacific's cadet pilots go through training, or the aviation facilities in Tokyo, Japan.
Photograph 1: The third Cathay Pacific "I Can Fly" programme graduation ceremony is led by Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler (fourth from left) together with Secretary for Labour and Welfare of Hong Kong SAR Government Matthew Cheung (fifth from left) and Norman Lo, Director-General of the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (fifth from right).
Photograph 2: The top 100 performing members earn an overseas trip to either Adelaide or Tokyo.
Photograph 3: Officiating guests and the 1,000 "I Can Fly" members show the "I Can Fly" gesture.
Photograph 4: The 1,000 members have graduated from the third Cathay Pacific "I Can Fly" programme.