Finding peace in ceramics — a haven for teens to heal and explore future careers

Ceramics can heal the heart, as the many cases that ceramics tutor Pui Ying came across suggest. “Even for youngsters that find it hard to open up, they start speaking out during ceramics class, which feels like a safe zone for them to escape reality temporarily.” Behind these youngsters in need are various heartbreaking stories and miserable experiences, which inspire her to launch a youth career project that empowers life through ceramics.

Teenagers running away from home stay for ceramics

Teaching ceramics at secondary schools, Pui Ying frequently interacts with teenagers under limited class time. “Students asked me whether ceramics courses are expensive, if so they would work to pursue it.” She acknowledged their passion for ceramics but also noticed their struggles. “Some students refuse to go home after class, as they need to hide in the bathroom at home, or prefer staying here than being home alone.” She noted that many of them have poor academic performance. “Knowledge can change destiny and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, but not everyone is adept at studying, so are there any other options available?”

From ceramics tutees to teaching assistants

Training students to be ceramics tutors came to mind. She participated in MakerBay Foundation’s Impact Innovation Lab, where she learnt about social innovation, and received The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, to launch her first social innovation project “Formation: Beyond The Clay”. The project offers workshops to students from low-income families, introducing them to the basics of ceramics. It also provides training for them to be teaching assistants through apprenticeship, developing their vocational skills to raise their chance for further education and upward mobility. In 6 months, 160 students participated in the ceramics classes, with 30 of them undergoing training and following Pui Ying to teach ceramics classes in various institutions, such as Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Sisters of the Precious Blood and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong.

Connecting with the community and igniting possibilities  

Learning ceramics is not the only choice. “With 3D design concepts in mind, they can pursue studies in art and design, and become product designers.” One of her students received praise from social workers and teachers as the teaching assistant at senior centres, getting along well with the elderly, thus identifying interests in art therapy and social welfare careers. Pui Ying also collaborated with other Incubatees from The Lab, including Podcasters, to hold ceramics classes for underprivileged ethnic minorities; and VI Career Advocates, to conduct skill training for the visually impaired, while her students getting more part-time job opportunities.

Mending wounded hearts with clay

For the first step, the project has already achieved its goals. However, Pui Ying hopes that ceramics can go deeper to heal the inner wounds of kids. During her teaching career, she has encountered children in despair from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental illness, eating disorders, and suicide attempts. “Could we have a place where children can relax, with ceramics as a form of therapy before medication?” She is looking into it for the future.