Harbour Lights (July 2026 Issue)

Youth Soul “Paw”er Up 2026 focuses on youth mental health optimisation and family relationship enhancement. Addressing prevalent adolescent stress and ineffective parent-child communication among Hong Kong grassroots families, the project upholds JCI’s youth empowerment spirit. Breaking from traditional material-based welfare, it innovatively integrates companion animals’ healing effects and professional psychological guidance. The low-pressure interactive environment effectively breaks communication barriers, relieves youth anxiety, improves parent-child interaction and safeguards adolescent mental well-being, while offering JCI Kowloon members valuable hands-on social service opportunities to practise social responsibility.

Held on 2 May, the event attracted over 200 teenagers and families. Partnering with the Hong Kong Police Volunteer Service Corps and psychologist Prof. Paul Wong, JCI Kowloon adopted a dual-service model of animal-assisted interaction and psychological sharing. A total of 30 well-trained companion pets eased on-site tension, while Prof. Wong delivered tailored family communication guidance. Supported by rigorous volunteer training and safety arrangements, warm pet interactions bridged family gaps and strengthened parent-child bonding. The professional session also taught practical communication skills, helping families resolve daily conflicts and build harmonious relationships.

The project received outstanding feedback from participants, fully embodying JCI Kowloon’s mission of empowering youth and serving community wellness. It fills grassroots mental health service gaps with innovative emotional intervention, upgrading conventional welfare from material support to in-depth psychological care. Professional partnerships showcase JCI Kowloon’s forward-thinking social care vision and public service capabilities, enhancing public recognition of its dedication to youth development and community building.