A mentorship scheme designed to lift Hong Kong pupils living in subdivided flats out of poverty arranged for a teenager to be coached by world-acclaimed violinist Yao Jue and perform in front of state leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Li Ching-po, age 15, enrolled in the first iteration of the government’s Strive and Rise Programme in 2022 and two years later performed in front of state leaders. He also joined his mentor on stage for the city’s National Day variety show last...