HKAPA x UNICEF HK
Many of the children enjoyed their first ever ballet class.
Foster Mental Resilience in Children Through Discovery in Performing Arts
Undeniably, the prolonged pandemic has had a multifaceted and substantial impact on the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents. Research has found a 2-fold increase in the global prevalence of depression and anxiety in these age groups. This mental distress can develop into a long-term problem if early intervention cannot be carried out. To promote children’s mental wellbeing, foster mental resilience against adversity, and develop an appreciation for performing arts through exposure and experience, the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) invited The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts to join hands. Via the Student Recruitment and Community Engagement Office (SRCE), the result was the “Merry Go Around HKAPA” project, which offered art-indulging and fun-filled activities for over 600 children from underprivileged families from August to December 2022.
Members of Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF Mrs Cherry Tse, GBS (left)
and Dr Barbara Lam, JP (right) present a souvenir to Mr Christopher Ng, Principal Head (External Affairs)
of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Accompanied by the lovely mythical creature ‘Merry’, these children were taken on a unique journey of performing arts exploration and self-discovery at the Academy’s Wanchai Main Campus through activities such as campus tours, stage art and design workshops, and introductory ballet workshops. All our participants were excited to dive into the wonderful and diversified world of performing arts. Ms Judy Chen, Chairman of UNICEF HK, was grateful that HKAPA brought local children into the world of performing arts and helped realise their vision of all-round development.
Children had an exciting time designing their own costume and making accessories as souvenirs which they could bring home
SRCE works with the six Schools of the Academy to deliver various education outreach projects and community engagement activities. We look forward to more opportunities to support performing arts education and appreciation while better understanding the needs of underprivileged groups in Hong Kong.
Children listened attentively to our Student Ambassador introducing
the HKAPA’s Wanchai Main Campus and Béthanie Landmark Heritage Campus
Enquiry：Student Recruitment and Community Engagement Office (2584 8703 / srce@hkapa.edu)
