Using experiential environmental projects to engage unemployed young people and their parents — Hiu Ying (Queena) Chan

In Hong Kong, young people who are not in employment, education or training are often characterised as being unmotivated and socially withdrawn. They experience social stigma and pressure from parents and family members. This article describes how young people’s preferred values and personal agency were enriched through a program that combined narrative practice with practical environmental activities including scuba diving. The young people then joined with the social worker to offer their parents a similar program. This enabled parents and young people to see each other in a new light, reducing tension, and creating space for mutual understanding and support.