報道日期︰ 2024年6月12日    版面：The Standard _ Education  

全文：https://www.thestandard.com.hk/education/article/63502/Breaking-through-to-the-youngsters

There is a common saying that young people are the leaders of tomorrow – which begs the question: do we actually understand the complexities of today’s youth?

Breakthrough, a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to serving the younger generation, is holding a large-scale educational event titled Here We Are at Tai Kwun.

“Through Breakthrough’s 50th anniversary Here We Are events, we hope everyone can see the faces of our youth as holistic and authentic,” said Joyce Man Lok-yan, general secretary of the organization.

This multifaceted initiative features an exhibition, dialogue exchanges, and an international conference. The struggles and aspirations of young people are illuminated through artwork and research, forging social connections.

“I understand how some young people feel like no one cares and there’s no place for them. I was once like that too,” said Lam Ching Choi, chairman of the Advisory Committee of Mental Health. “But we can find those who care and move forward together.”

The first part, What is a youth?, showcases 50 clay sculptures by youngsters from all walks of life, expressing their identity and personality .

“At first, clay sculpting seemed ghastly. I thought I would try my hand at it but I didn’t think I would need to show my inner self,” said a 17-year-old non-Chinese speaking teenager who goes by the name Tsuki.

Tsuki’s sculpture is a face marred by scars and stitches, with two eyes peering out and one stitched shut. A small, hollow-eyed head wraps two blemished arms around the sculpture’s neck from behind.

“It took a lot of time to create my own sketches. Expressing my inner self is not a simple task,” she added. “I am the type of person who adapts to other people’s behavior rather than showing my true self. It seems easier too. In fact, I don’t even understand my inner self. It feels like a lunatic person.”

Each sculpture is displayed on a stand, visually representing the challenges and struggles of the youngsters through varied colors, shapes and heights.

For instance, Tsuki’s stand is in the shape of a hexagon, indicating that she finds it hard to turn passion into a career in Hong Kong – an issue faced by over 64 percent of all participants. “I just made my own clay sculpture based on my feelings. I thought a lot about how when I look at other people’s clay sculptures, I need to recognize myself when I see my own.”

“Some parts of society lack understanding towards young people. The youth seems strange and incomprehensible to them because they’re so different from previous generations,” said Leung Pak-kin, associate general secretary of Breakthrough.

“The 50 clay sculptures illustrate how we can understand the various aspects of the youth when we are willing to slow down and listen. The differences between generations can bring forth new possibilities and enrichment.”

The second part, The Challenges of Growing Up, is set in a dimly lit room, cluttered with dark, door-sized inflatable art installations.

These cylindrical inflatables bear a range of negative phrases that reflect frustrating experiences among the younger generation – such as “You can’t even handle your own problems so how can you help others?” and “I wish I were invisible.”

“When we interact with young people involved in our programs at Breakthrough, we often hear these phrases directly from the individuals themselves, or they recount the words from other people,” explained Leung. “The inflatables symbolize how it’s almost impossible to navigate or overcome these challenges. No matter how hard you push it away, it always bounces back.”

But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. As visitors step out of the darkened room, they enter the last part of the exhibition, Together we thrive.

“The 13 3D-printed ceramics art pieces are inspired by the stories and dreams of young individuals who contributed to our community,” said Leung.

“We will hold a youth dialogue here and invite these inspiring artists to share their journeys and connect with visitors.”

Here We Are is on until Sunday at Tai Kwun’s Duplex Studio 01.

Reporter: Greta Ng