Abstract
Purpose
Positive youth development (PYD) among ethnic minorities is important to building a socially inclusive and rapidly aging Hong Kong. There are very limited empirically driven with evaluation among ethnic minorities in Hong Kong and in the region. This study aims to fill the research-to-practice gap by examining the implementation process and impacts of a school-based PYD school program for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong developed empirically based on the data of the larger sequential mixed-methods research project.
Design/methodology/approach
Along with a non-governmental organization the authors co-developed, implemented and evaluated an eight-week pilot PYD program for youth from South Asia and newly arrival mainland Chinese backgrounds. Although a quasi-experimental mixed-methods research design was adopted and included 18 young people in the intervention group and 12 young people in the control group, this paper reported the qualitative interviews of three students, two of their teachers and two PYD interventionalists who commented about the content and process to further improve future PYD programs for ethnic minorities young people in Hong Kong.
Findings
Students stated their positive experience about the program while other participants (interventionalists and teachers) provided insights for further program effectiveness enhancement. This includes organizing social activities in the program, such as basketball or football matches would enhance the level of engagement of the participants. Teachers and interventionists suggested to develop age-appropriate programs as younger groups may have different needs or interests compared to their older counterparts.
Originality/value
This study provides insight into how to improve the implementation process, effectiveness and quality of evidence based PYD education research and practices from a culturally appropriate perspective, particularly for South Asian youth residing in Hong Kong and beyond.
Positive youth development (PYD) among ethnic minorities is important to building a socially inclusive and rapidly aging Hong Kong. There are very limited empirically driven with evaluation among ethnic minorities in Hong Kong and in the region. This study aims to fill the research-to-practice gap by examining the implementation process and impacts of a school-based PYD school program for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong developed empirically based on the data of the larger sequential mixed-methods research project.
Design/methodology/approach
Along with a non-governmental organization the authors co-developed, implemented and evaluated an eight-week pilot PYD program for youth from South Asia and newly arrival mainland Chinese backgrounds. Although a quasi-experimental mixed-methods research design was adopted and included 18 young people in the intervention group and 12 young people in the control group, this paper reported the qualitative interviews of three students, two of their teachers and two PYD interventionalists who commented about the content and process to further improve future PYD programs for ethnic minorities young people in Hong Kong.
Findings
Students stated their positive experience about the program while other participants (interventionalists and teachers) provided insights for further program effectiveness enhancement. This includes organizing social activities in the program, such as basketball or football matches would enhance the level of engagement of the participants. Teachers and interventionists suggested to develop age-appropriate programs as younger groups may have different needs or interests compared to their older counterparts.
Originality/value
This study provides insight into how to improve the implementation process, effectiveness and quality of evidence based PYD education research and practices from a culturally appropriate perspective, particularly for South Asian youth residing in Hong Kong and beyond.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 126-135 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Asian Education and Development Studies |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 19 Aug 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Jan 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Funding
This research received the grant funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the institution/funding body.
Keywords
- Ethnic minority youth
- Good health and well-being
- Positive youth development
- Qualitative program evaluation
- Reduced inequalities
