Positive Families in Action: A Creative Home Challenge
By Mr. Wong Chiu Man, Director of St. James’ Settlement Wan Chai Integrated Family Service Centre
This year, with sponsorship from the Wan Chai District Council, the Centre will launch the “Positive Energy Family – Creative Home Action Campaign” in collaboration with the Community Building and Housing Affairs Committee, starting in September 2016. The campaign aims to promote creativity within families, strengthen family bonds, and spread positive energy throughout the Wan Chai District. The campaign includes four main programs:
Parent-Child Game Collection
Games bring joy—and joy is the lubricant that strengthens parent-child relationships. This program aims to share creative mini-games with parents, helping them grasp key tips for playing with their children and become “game masters” at home. The collection features games suitable for kindergarteners and lower primary students, along with insights on how to add creative twists to enhance fun and engagement.
Creative Family Workshop
Artistic creativity requires focus and calm, helping individuals reflect on their thoughts (imagination), set achievable goals (sketching), plan steps for execution (drawing), and face unexpected challenges along the way (mistakes). Through hands-on creation, ideas are brought to life. As families work toward aligning their vision with the final product, they also learn to accept outcomes when expectations and reality differ.
This workshop encourages parent-child creativity by designing unique patterns on rice bowls—an activity that’s not only expressive but also deeply meaningful. Though the process may seem simple, full engagement can lead to valuable insights and emotional connection.
Melodic Blessings Across Wan Chai
Music is a universal language that brings people closer together. It also helps reduce anxiety, release stress, and express emotions. Through music, individuals can regulate their feelings and gain inner peace and joy. In Hong Kong’s fast-paced urban life, we may occasionally pass by street performers, yet often continue on our hurried paths without pause. But have you ever considered stopping to truly listen to the pure and joyful voices that can soothe the soul?
Our center will recruit energetic students to sing in the streets, bringing encouragement and positive vibes to families across Wan Chai.
Creative Home, Extra FUN Carnival
Beyond electronic devices, are there other options for parents to help children spend their time in ways that benefit both body and mind? Instead of being confined to tablets or wandering through air-conditioned malls, or facing the physical demands of outdoor adventures, our center offers an alternative play experience. Families can enjoy a joyful and memorable afternoon together while learning simple, creative games that can be easily brought home. These activities help break out of daily routines and strengthen parent-child bonds through laughter and play.
The carnival will be held in collaboration with Playright, a professional creative play organization. It will feature booth games, exciting prizes, and promote messages of life education, family closeness, and cultural enrichment.
