Early Career Counselling Unleashes the Creative Potential of Local Youth

CityU students gained a valuable insight into the needs and aspirations of primary students when the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) organised a programme introducing youngsters to early career counselling.

Professor Dennis WONG, Associate Dean (Research and Postgraduate Studies) of CLASS and 27 CityU undergraduates joined forces with three DIY designers and their associates to deliver talks and organise interactive events for nearly 900 children in three primary schools on 5 and 6 July 2018.

In sharing their experiences on how they forged a commitment to the career of a toy or product designer, the designers succeeded in developing students’ creative potential and kindling their passion for arts and crafts. The students also gave more thought to the inspiration for their future careers. They were closely involved in the activities and actively asked questions concerning the product-making process and how the designers overcome difficulties. The happy, joyful atmosphere was heightened when each participating student received a souvenir hand-made by the designers.

Many CityU undergraduates volunteered to help with different stages of the event preparation such as planning, packing, transporting and delivering the DIY designers’ products. This gave them hands-on experience in programme coordination and, more importantly, an opportunity to serve the needy.

CLASS students saw it as a blessing to be able to serve in this volunteer endeavour. “It’s such a valuable opportunity to visit the primary schools as a volunteer and get along with their students. It is more blessed to give than to receive,” said Hilson LIU, a Social and Behavioural Sciences student. Linguistics and Translation student Jessie YEUNG expressed similar thoughts. “It’s a meaningful event that brought joy to children, and meanwhile promoted hand-made toys.” Chinese and History student Dorothy KONG added, “I’m happy to have joined this activity, where we saw how creativity serves the community. I’m looking forward to another service opportunity like this.”