Supported by the Jean C. K. Ho Family Foundation, the project aims to realise the potential of the arts in transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people. It is included by KACES (Korean Arts and Cultural Education Service) as Best Practise model and also the UNESCO Arts in Education Observatory Star Project 2012-14.

In Sep 2018, a new cohort of 80 primary students from four primary schools began their Sm-ART Youth journey and are currently in the project’s final year. Through constant year-round exposure to diverse arts disciplines in and outside of the classroom, the project enables underprivileged primary students to nurture a questioning habit of mind, to understand the self and beyond, and to locate meaning in their young lives.

This programme is founded on the concept of inter-generational teaching and learning with volunteer training and contribution. After receiving leadership and arts training led by professional artists, volunteers apply their learning to work with students during Cultural Days.

Quotes from Sm-ART Youth 2018-20 Graduates

Sm-ART Youth Project allows me to learn with the students. We learnt that it is more important to think about how to get the answer than to follow a model answer!

– Lawerence Ko, Volunteer

I had built a close relationship with the students in these two years, I am very glad to see them grow and be better than ever. Continue interacting with the students make us grow together.

– Ann Chau, Volunteer

“I think understanding the origin behind a culture and its implication is important.”

— Law Tsz Hei, St. Bonaventure Catholic Primary School

“Transforming daily objects into artworks can add colours to our lives and relieve stress.”

— Lee Yin To, Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Primary School (Ping Shek)

“Every country has its uniqueness and we should not look down on them.”

— Guo Zhi Qing, The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad No. 2 Primary School

“I learnt to thoroughly understand a person or an object. I changed by thinking beyond the matter.”

— Cheng Jin Peng, Ma On Shan St. Joseph’s Primary School

Year-End Showcase 2018-2019

The year-end showcase of Sm-ART Youth Project 2018-2019 was held at St. Bonaventure Catholic primary school hall on 18 May 2019 (Saturday). The show was co-hosted by AFTEC Artistic Director Dr Vicki Ooi and Artist Educator Priscila Chu. Principals of the participated schools, educators, students and volunteers were invited to share their experience of “teach” and “learn” on this scheme. Certificates were also presented to students.

Participating Schools:

Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Primary School (Ping Shek)

The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad No. 2 Primary School

St. Bonaventure Catholic Primary School

Ma On Shan St. Joseph’s Primary School