Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us this year by reading our ‘Stories of Love’: testimonials featuring parental love, love for oneself, love for our programming, or a love for creativity in general!

According to the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), “the expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development… by integrating the arts processes and allowing one to flow into another, we gain access to our inner resources for healing, clarity, illumination and creativity.”

Creative expression has a hugely positive impact on relieving stress, aiding self-exploration, managing emotions – and is the ultimate act of self-love!

But research aside, let’s hear from some of those who have benefited from our programming:

Parent

When describing the growth she has witnessed in her child after his participation in the programme, Tin Hau’s mother said:

“Tin Hau is now more courageous in expressing and sharing his creative artwork, this is a change I have really noticed. As he continued his learning journey with this class, I saw an increase in self-confidence; this class is the activity which he longs for the most every week! Because his little ideas in creative art making are encouraged, accepted and appreciated, he is more courageous to share and discuss his ideas and make art with me.”

Teacher

Ms. Leung, Schoolteacher at CCC But San Primary School, said:

“The format [of MIB] is great, and the activities are interesting. I like the beginning and ending sessions, which invite parents to come and get involved. It’s important for parents to understand the children better through their artwork and stories. At the start of the programme, the facilitators encourage parents to play a little game with their children, this provides a great start and really helps both parent and child better understand the concept of MIB. I like the diversity and amount of materials kids can choose from. The support by volunteers is wonderful too. The outing sessions offer a great opportunity for the children to experience a different lesson style outside the classroom.”

Parent

A participant of the parent’s seminar for the Jockey Club Expressive Arts Programme for Children said:

“I have understood the importance of being nonjudgmental and empathetic, learning to accept instead of demanding perfection from everything. Does art come naturally, or is it through hard work? I would like my child to be able to express their feelings and thoughts calmly.”

Social Worker

A participant of the Train-the-Trainer Programme for teaching professionals from the Jockey Club Expressive Arts Programme for Children said:

“This programme has not only enhanced my understanding of expressive arts, its techniques, and how to apply them, but each session served as a chance for retreat. Through examining and reflecting upon my current condition, I have found the strength to move forward.”

Parent

A participant of the Care for The Carers Programme said:

“I treasure my time here because I can stop my ‘working’ mode. I can breathe and feel, live like a human and not a machine. With art making and practicing ‘reflecting’ on the process, I understand more about how to listen to my boys and connect with them in a better way.”

Parent

A participant of the Care for The Carers Programme said:

“The art of the past and present has helped me reflect on my life and make sense of it. When the water hits the rocks, it creates splashes which makes the picture rich and beautiful. The difficulties in life can be challenging and devastating at times like the artwork, yet they make us stronger.”