Jockey Club “Arts & Actions” Project — The Absolutely Fabulous Theatre Connection “Arts for Empowerment”
The project focused on developing an arts-based curriculum for students in Tung Wan Mok Law Shui Wah School (Tung Wan) and Caritas Mother Teresa School (Caritas) from 2019 to 2022. AFTEC created a diverse educational space for teachers, social workers and students for them to experience creative learning and broaden their artistic horizon through Cultural Days, workshops for teachers and AFTEC Lab.
“Arts for Change” was adopted as an alternative approach to facilitate students’ self-understanding and the development of their individual potential through applying the power of the arts to foster layered and nuanced emotional connections. The project culminates with the final showcase from 4th to 9th of August 2022 at the Cattle Depot Artist Village to depict the journey of arts exploration and showcase the fabulous art creations by the schools’ students over the three years.
226
students
39
artist educators
72
principals, school teachers & social workers
228
hours of face-to-face regular classes
28
sessions of online learning
6
Cultural Days
2
Train the Trainers workshops
2
Special Educational Needs Schools
1
Final Showcase
Caritas Mother Teresa School
Lower secondary students discovered and developed their interests through a variety of taster sessions in the theatre arts that encourage creative thinking and expression.
The styling course undertaken by upper secondary students gave them a chance to deepdive into costume design, make-up and hair styling. Apart from gaining professional knowledge, students were able to connect through the arts, empowering their voices and stimulating their imagination. The school then arranged for students who showed interest and talent in make-up and fashion design to take short-term courses for further career development.
Cultural Day sparked my interest in going to see plays. I never used to watch them but now I even look out for them during my free time!
Moran Li
Student, Caritas Mother Teresa School
There are no limits to your imagination and thinking as long as you are bold. You can also give voice to a diverse range of emotions. Give it a try and don’t be afraid of failing!
Yau Lai Ping
Teacher, Caritas Mother Teresa School
Tung Wan Mok Law Shui Wah School
By observing, listening, feeling, imagining and interpreting, students learnt to create stories and characters. Through these stories, students reflected on interpersonal relationships and values, giving rise to a platform to voice their feelings and emotions.
Primary school students were inspired and connected with each other to develop plots, scenarios and characters. Their communication and social skills improved through working in small groups.
Through the stage design and production foundation programme, secondary school students acquired professional skills that offered an alternative career path in the arts in which they can express themselves and unleash their creativity.
I enjoy AFTEC classes, especially making props and writing stories because they allow us to use our imagination and break free from the constraints of our daily lives. Throughout the process I learnt how to play different characters and also story development. AFTEC classes helped my classmates and I to bond and have fun and we all learnt a lot from the experience.
Axel
Student, Tung Wan Mok Law Shui Wah School
