Between 2018 and 2021, AFTEC led a three-year pilot project designed to empower youth, social workers, and community organisations to become impactful changemakers through the arts. Partnering with three NGOs, local artists and social workers co-designed and facilitated nine creative, community-based projects focused on fostering youth self-expression, emotional growth, and social connection.
The programme also prioritised professional development, offering training for social workers and artists alongside collaborative creative workshops. These workshops built trust, empathy, and encouraged new forms of communication. Participants used theatre, dance, film, and visual storytelling to explore complex emotions and reflect on their roles in the world.
The project culminated in a public showcase, celebrating the transformative creative journeys made possible through this unique cross-sector collaboration.
We’d love to tell you more.
Programme details
1
Workshops & Outings for Social Work Practitioners
1
Workshops for Artists
1
Joint Workshops for Artists and Social Workers
1
Social Work Practitioners
1
Arts Groups
1
Artists
1
NGOs
1
Youth Centres
1
Youth Outreach Team
HKFYG Jockey Club Shaukeiwan Youth S.P.O.T.
Original Musical – Memorable Banquet
It was during the script analysis that we could touch on deeper topics not normally discussed. As there was a mutual trust, the participants felt able to share their personal experiences and innermost thoughts with each other, something which had yet to happen in other activities.
One of the key takeaways from the Arts for Change Project is the mindset which we can continue to develop in the future.
Social Work Practitioner
Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Hin Keng Centre
Digital Media
I would use the idea of “germination” to describe my feelings about the class, because I have gone from ignorance to gaining knowledge and application, just like a seed germinating.
I learnt all about lighting, camera angles, the use of colour and finally I even made a film. What a sense of achievement that gave me.
Youth Participant
Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Hin Keng Centre
Physical Exploration (Dance)
I hope to incorporate the 7 Tools in activities in order to understand young people more and at the same time, guide them to use these techniques to give meaning to their relationships and lives.
Social Work Practitioner
My limbs are now more flexible and my dance movements have gone from being somewhat superficial to more expressive of my feelings.
Youth Participant
Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Sha Tin Youth Outreaching Social Work Team
Devised Theatre
The 7 Tools can become a toolkit for young people to explore themselves.
Social Work Practitioner
Learning to share is also a part of learning. Sometimes you have to allow others to question you, give their opinions and then respond. This is positive sharing.
Youth Participant
Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong – Hin Keng Centre
My Hong Kong Play Space
Of course, it is not just by taking part once that they show improvement because the process is cumulative. Whether during an activity or in life, they will now be conscious of those around them and be able to think: I can do it too.
Social Work Practitioner
We learnt the importance of empathy, like how to design a playground with facilities accessible to everyone and not just for yourself.
Youth Participant
TWGH Yu Mak Yuen Integrated Services Centre
Listen to the City
I never realised the connection between time, space and sound. It turns out that sound is a medium that can transcend space and time.
Youth Participant
TWGH Jockey Club Lei Tung Integrated Services Centre
Dance Sing Angels
Although the aim was always about the learning outcomes, each of the young people had a different focus and worked differently. It was through collaboration that we really gained so much.
Artist
During these classes I really learnt about my authentic self. I learnt what happiness means to me and experienced what it was like to be given attention and to feel loved.
Youth Participant
TWGH Yu Mak Yuen Integrated Services Centre
Heartfelt Drama
I hope we can enjoy playing our true selves and use our creativity to learn about our alter egos in the process.
It is through role-playing that I learnt about feelings and how they allow you to experience pure expressions of support, love and partnership.
Youth Participant
These young people are so motivated and committed to the play. I just hope it is not a flash in the pan but lasts until the performance; that the passion will continue to burn in them even beyond that in their lives whether at work or in their studies.
Artist
Acknowledgement
All the content of works are independently produced by the organiser / creative team, and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Project nor the Funder