Culture

A project called "Artists-in-Schools Programme" has come to light to help students attain "One Art for Life."

The Hong Kong Arts Development Council fathered the programme in 1997 and the Education Department co-organized it.

The programme aims at providing students with a chance of accessing at least one form of arts by inviting artists to attend in schools.

Schools that are interested in it can submit proposals to the Council.

The Council chooses the best 10 proposals and offers these schools with funds up to $100,000.

The schools then engage artists to promote arts like drama, music and visual art in schools.

Miss Cheng Yeuk Ling, teacher responsible for the programme in Carmel Secondary School agrees that the funding streamlines the promotion of arts in schools.

Said she: "Our school has a drama club. However, we can't get any artist to teach students about professional script writing and acting.

"Now, we can do so with the help of the programme."

Miss Helen Hung Wei Yee, teacher-in-charge of the scheme in Diocesan Girls' School, shares the same view.

Said she: "Our school joined the programme because we lack resources in arts education.

"Now the council provides us with the resources we need."

Not only schools but also students welcome the programme. Winnie Ho Wing Yin, a student in Diocesan Girls' School, is one of them.

Says she: "Arts education is obviously inadequate in Hong Kong.

"The programme is a breakthrough in our education system. It enables students to try, to understand and to access arts."

Winne also said that under the programme, arts are not as abstract as she used to think.

"Now, I know that arts is realistic, relaxing and personal. We can express our feelings through arts it in many different ways," said Winnie.

Doo Che Man, a student in New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Tai Po District Secondary School also has the same view.

"Arts is totally different from that I used to think. The programme really gives me a new idea about arts," said he.

Besides getting a new insight of what arts is, students said they also learn important lessons in the programme.

Chow Kwan Ho, a student in Carmel Secondary School, said he has learnt a new way of seeing the world.

Said he: "Now, I know how to see with my eyes, hear with my ears and express with my mouth more efficiently."

Connie Pang Mei Fong, a student in Carmel Secondary School, said the programme helps her become a more cultivated and self-confident person by improving her communication skills.

Said Connie: "The programme can strengthen students’ inter-personal skill.

"People become more patient and generous when performing arts.

"Arts then become a bridge between people. It helps people communicate and build up better relationship with one another."

Artists attending in New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Tai Po District Secondary School, Mr. Kevin Tsang Man Tung and Miss Mandy Chen Mei Sum also see the programme's benefits to students.

Said Kevin: "Students nowadays lack confidence and do not express themselves well. "Arts give them a way to express themselves and build up their self-confidence.

Said Mandy, "Arts teaches the students how to appreciate themselves and the environment around them."

Actually, artists bring more than self-confidence to the students who participate in the programme.

Said Miss Cheung: "The artists are cultivated people. They set very good examples for the students."

Winnie, the Diocesan Girls' School student, also shares the same view with Miss Cheung.

"The artists are able to create an atmosphere that all students enjoy," said she.

However, artists, teachers and students all think that the programme does not last long enough.

Said artists Kevin and Mandy: "The time limit refrains us from communicating with the participants more deeply.

"There should be some follow-up activities which enables students to know even more about arts."

Mr. To Siu Wing, a teacher in New Territories School, also thinks that the programme lacks long term planning.

However, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council has had a different view on how long the programme should last.

Said Miss Tammy Chan, the executive officer of arts education of Hong Kong Arts Development Council: "The project lasts for one year only as we want more schools to participate and more different forms of arts to be introduced.

"Schools that are interested in further arts promotions can apply for other sponsorships or fundings like Quality Education Fund."

Students absorbed in creating their own art works.
(Courtesy of New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Tai Po District Secondary School)