Volume 8, Issue No. 1 (Serial No. 15) How to Enlarge thew Cultural Space of Youth ?

Darwin CHEN
Former Chairman, Hong Kong Arts Development Council

[Abstract] Arts play an important social role in stimulating people’s creative thinking and nurturing effective communication. The Arts can develop creativity in the younger generation and increase their competitiveness in our ever-changing society. Public Art has been an effective way of promoting art. All along, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council has actively implemented various programmes in public arts and arts education with the aim of developing the social function of arts, enhancing the quality of life and building a new creative generation.

CHAN Wing Wah
Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chairman, Department of Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] Apart from being a form of professional training, music can work as alternative medicine, overcoming the tension and anxiety caused by stressful daily life. It helps to bring us serenity and joy. Basic music appreciation enables us to have a better spiritual life. An understanding of the musical culture of different parts of the world helps us to become more observant and improve interpersonal communication skills.

Anthony FUNG
Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] This article aims to explain the relationship between youth culture and popular music in Hong Kong. In contrast to earlier generations, the new generation of youth expresses its identity, secures its social status and defines social relationships by means of elements in popular music. The author argues that most youth acquire and consume music culture, forms and styles in a passive manner. In fact, the government and youth policy makers could intervene in this process by putting more resources into formal musical education to help youth become effective, active producers rather than just purely music consumers. Ultimately, government could also guide the development of youth values within the realm of popular music.

CHAN Man Hung
President and Vice-Chairman, Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Ltd.

[Abstract] Civilization is entering a phase of development that might be called the Information Era when knowledge of culture becomes more significant than in other eras of history. This new era has been brought about by the interaction of different cultures throughout the world. It is not only generating new knowledge but also formulating new structures of knowledge. People need to possess different kinds of knowledge in order to adapt to these new structures of knowledge. Young people should also develop the ability to be selective in their reading in order to cope with the changes.

Martin OEI
Information Technology Commentator

[Abstract] New generation home PCs are affordable, powerful tools for multimedia creations. Digital technology reduces the capital cost of equipment. Government investment in information technology education and graphical user interfaces also makes the cost of learning about information technology lower than before. In the meantime, cheap broadband connection removes another block to publishing. Youth can easily participate in blog, photography, web-radio, musical composition etc. The rapid expansion of such potential content can broaden cultural life for youth.

CHOW Ho Yin, Stephen
Creative Director, Dropstwo Creative

[Abstract] In the late 90’s, a new power coming from the younger generation was found in the Hong Kong theatre. These young participants joined in a series of drama workshops, multi-media creative campaigns and performances, learning about something they had never come across before. After participation, they realized that more opportunities and space now exists where they can generate and execute their ideas. Why do young people need to participate in the performing arts? What will be their next step?

Banky YEUNG
Artistic Director, FMTP. NET
SHIU Ka Chun
PhD Student, Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University

[Abstract] Youth Theatre, one of the distinctive cultural phenomena of Hong Kong, belongs to the Culture of the Youth in the hybridized context of multimedia and has become representative of youth in recent years. Though deeply influenced by the process of drama playback theatre and theatre-in-education, Youth Theatre has its own special cultural context and distinctive historical background.

S. Harry YOUNG
Co-Founder and President, Youth Entertainment Studios (USA)
Alwyn PEREIRA
Chief Executive Officer, Youth Entertainment Studios UK (UK)
Mark FREDERICK
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Crown College

[Abstract] This article examines the challenges inherent in youth development efforts targeting the hard-to-reach urban teen population. We then investigate the opportunities found in a culturally relevant, technology-based media arts solution designed to expand the positive cultural influence of teens. First, we will document the oppression of urban youth within the larger American culture. Second, we will explore that segment of popular culture called “hip-hop” as a possible framework for addressing traditional youth development objectives. Third, we will lay out a theoretical background and youth development paradigm designed to address the cultural, educational, and developmental needs of the target youth population. Finally, we will provide a case study of Youth Entertainment Studios (YES) as a model for implementing this youth development paradigm.

ZHANG Mei-mei
NUO Yi
Sex Education Research Center, College of Education, Captial Normal University

[Abstract] Given local traditional attitudes to sex and the problems involved in the way sex education is conducted abroad, this paper suggests that positive, comprehensive, theoretical research on sex education should be carried out. To realize a positive, all-round approach to sex education it should be regarded as a constituent part of quality education. The first step is to construct quality education theory which includes details of objectives, process and environment. The second step is to develop a scientific theory of adolescent sex education by emphasizing its significance.

YEH Ming-li
Secretary General, Taiwan Association for Sexuality Education
Department of Nursing, Oriental Institute of Technology

[Abstract] Sexuality education is promoted by both government and non-government sectors in Taiwan. The writer gives an introduction to the current status of sexuality education in terms of government policy, efforts of non-governmental organizations and academic research. The education authority implements the concept of gender equality in schools by formulating relevant policies while the Department of Health has set up an interactive web page for promoting appropriate concepts of gender and knowledge about sex among adolescents. The Taiwan Association for Sexuality Education and the Mercy Memorial Foundation have been working all along to promote sexuality education and their efforts and achievements are discussed as is academic research into the current situation and trends.

Angeline KHOO
Associate Professor, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

[Abstract] Sexuality education today has to adapt to the changing needs of our youth. The sexuality education teacher has to facilitate discussions of sexuality issues rather than use traditional methods that provide only information on human sexuality and lectures on morality. In the light of changing norms and behaviour among teenagers in Singapore, a revamp of sexuality education by the Ministry of Education has produced a detailed resource package known as the “Growing Years” series. This article begins with a brief description of the package and argues that the programme is only as effective as the teacher who implements it. Research conducted on teachers’ concerns indicates that becoming comfortable with sexual queries and answering personal questions from students remain a challenge for many sexuality education teachers. Another challenge involves having to reconcile personal views with societal norms. The article concludes with some examples of strategies used in the training of teachers.

Titus S.P. LI
Chairman, Macau Catholic Marriage Advisory Council
Wan May LI
Executive Secretary, Macau Catholic Marriage Advisory Council

[Abstract] Macau society needs proper information about sex and good sexuality education. However, there is no systematic policy on sexuality education in Macau though it has been given via the informal school curriculum for many decades. Although family service associations and the school authorities have advocated sexuality education activities and elements in school in recent years, there is still a need to enhance the quality of schools’ sexuality education programmes. This paper proposes strategies relating to such education policy, curriculum development and professional training, while stressing the need to respond realistically to the situation in Macau.

Grace M.Y. LEE
Education Officer In-charge, The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong

[Abstract] For many years sexuality education in Hong Kong has been implemented via the informal school curriculum. Despite the fact that school authorities have advocated integrating elements of sex education into the formal curriculum in recent years, sexuality education in schools still needs to be enhanced in order to be effective. This paper attempts to propose relevant strategies related to education policy, curriculum development and training. It also discusses the importance of improving discourse on sex education in Hong Kong in order to be able to respond to the needs of young people, and hence to move out of the current predicament.

SHIU Ka Chun
PhD Student, Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University

[Abstract] Youth culture attracts the attention of teachers, parents, police and policy-makers and has proved to be a persistent problem for Hong Kong society. This paper seeks to understand youth culture through the perspective of cultural studies, in which culture is considered a product of discourse that takes place between different parties. In this way, youth are relieved of the burden of blame and shame. The aims of this paper are (a) to re-examine the dominant discourse of youth culture in Hong Kong; (b) to apply cultural studies’ perspective and argue that youth culture is specific to class, gender, ethnic group and so on, all of which require a corresponding explanation. If we fail to understand this we will not only be unable to deal with youth culture properly, but this may also result in furthering the oppression of a dominant group over any other group, thereby accelerating the destruction of youth culture.

Wing Hong CHUI
Assistant Professor, School of Law, City University of Hong Kong
Fellow, Youth Studies Net, City University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] This paper investigates the controversy surrounding the use of punishment for young offenders. While some believe that community penalties such as probation and community service are "too soft" to punish young criminals and protect the public, others think that imprisonment or residential treatment programmes do not work in rehabilitating young people but further promote their criminality. With reference to the empirical evidence and available literature, this paper analyses the relative effects in terms of advantages and disadvantages of penal custody and community penalties for young offenders. It is hoped that more empirical research in this area, especially of the kind in which young offenders are able to participate, will be encouraged and funded by the authorities.

LI Chi-mei, Jessica
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong

[Abstract] As an alternative to crime prevention by deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation, situational crime prevention that primarily puts emphasis on reducing opportunities for crime, deserves our further attention. The paper aims to introduce some basic concepts and techniques for situational crime prevention. It also discusses the application of such techniques in different arenas for preventing theft by juveniles.

REN Ruihong
Multimedia Audio-visual Room, Kweiyang Library

[Abstract] This article re-defines the function and duty of electronic reading rooms in libraries. By investigating the changes brought about by the internet to the learning style, living style and mental health of adolescents, the author suggests that electronic reading rooms in libraries be used as a platform for improving adolescent education. Adolescents would then be able to develop their overall qualities, maintain good moral standards, strengthen their sense of humanism and improve their learning skills, and thus be guided to make good use of the internet in learning and research.