Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

The concept of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is an increasingly popular trend in education. The latest Chief Executive policy address stated that the government would foster STEAM education “for all, for fun and for diversity” in all primary and secondary schools. Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (The Association) has been ahead of the game on this – as early as 2018, we envisioned the future importance of STEAM education and organised an annual STEAM education programme in partnership with Dah Sing Bank Limited (Dah Sing Bank), and 2022 marked the fifth successive year of the partnership. This year, we ran an “Unmanned Drone STEAM Training Programme”, providing local students with basic instruction in drone programming and how to conduct an aerial light show.

The seven-month programme came to an end on 12 November with the competition finals and a drone light show that illuminated the closing ceremony at our Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village’s Grand Hall. Judging the final were Mr Cliff Chan Wai-kin, Executive Director and Group Head of Wealth Management at Dah Sing Bank; Mr Karl Lau Chun-chuen, General Secretary of the Association; and Mr Clive Wan, Co-Founder of Ask Idea (HK) Limited (Partner of DJI Education).

This exhilarating programme spanned three phases: an intensive drone mentorship class for secondary school students; and a drone interest class and drone show competition for primary school students. In phase one, 21 students from 11 secondary schools completed a 12-hour hybrid course combining online and face-to-face classes which covered unmanned aircraft theory, tracking and positioning, auto flight logic, light effects, drone programming, and other concepts. In phase two, these students became instructors in a 12-hour drone show programming course given to 80 senior primary school pupils. All students enjoyed the learning process, especially the drone show competition that allowed them to show off their accomplishments.

Eight teams from the Association’s social service centres – Tin Shui Wai Tin Chak Centre, Hin Keng Centre, Chai Wan Centre, and Kornhill Centre – made the final and got to showcase their drone flying talents, with Team Hin Keng being crowned champions. All students and parents also voted for their favourite team, with Team Kornhill taking the title.

Mr Timmy Lee Tan-chun M.H., a member of the government’s Youth Development Commission, visited the Association on 29 October and conducted an in-depth discussion with 17 youth from the Association’s Youth Council, University & College YMCA, Brilliant Multicultural Centre, and IYS Kornhill Centre. The discussion covered a variety of social issues in six major categories: physical and emotional wellness, education, employment and careers, housing, civic engagement and social cohesion, and environmental conservation and sustainability. These young representatives of the Association took the opportunity to express their views and offer interesting and inspiring policy recommendations.

Mr Lee responded to the representatives individually, gaining a better perspective of their views in this candid, comprehensive conversation. He also asked for their support for government reform, stressing that youth policy is one of Hong Kong’s pillars and that he hoped to see more youth participation in social affairs. The Association will continue to play our unique role and act as a bridge between the government and young people. We are committed to making youth voices heard in every social sector, and to building a better Hong Kong together.

Recently, the Association’s Counselling Unit introduced a new course: the “Beginner’s Guide to Healing Emotional Trauma Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Art Intervention”. This four-session training course helps would-be counsellors learn to examine clients’ emotional states through the lens of trauma to help them build resources and live in the present. The course uses an acceptance and commitment therapy approach to the material, focusing on creative arts as an intervention.

Date: Tuesdays in Jan 2023: 1, 10, 17, and 31

Time: 7:00pm – 9:45pm

Place: 8 Floor, Chung Kiu Commercial Building, 47-51 Shan Tung Street, Mongkok

Target audience: Social workers, practitioners or anyone interested in counselling

Cost: $2,000 or $1,800 for early birds who book on or before 10 December

Instructor: Ms Esther Yip Sze-nga, Counsellor and Registered Social Worker. Ms Yip has the following qualifications:

·         Certified Marriage and Family Therapist

·         Master of Arts in Christian Studies (Pastoral Studies and Counselling), The Chinese University of Hong Kong

·         Master of Social Work, The University of Hong Kong

·         MBTI Practitioner

·         NLP Certified Practitioner

·         Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Certification

·         Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Level I and II

·         Eight-week course on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

·         Training-in-progress in International Expressive Arts Therapy Certification

Register online: https://forms.gle/CJoVQThQiVSTw7Sz6

Course content:

1. Understanding emotional responses to traumatic events

2. Case studies in need assessment based on acceptance and commitment therapy

3. Resource-building for clients using mediation, creative arts and personal growth

Please call 2332 4899 for any inquiries.