To Josie Yeung Yat-yin, a Form Six student at Sacred Heart Canossian College, pastels, watercolours and other painting materials can become tools for advocacy and for building human connection.
Through vibrant depictions of cheerful figures and creatures amid scenes of pure joy and innocence, Josie has led a mental-health recovery project in collaboration with Fu Hong Society. She also launched an initiative under the “Hong Kong Impact Makers 100” programme supporting children from underprivileged households.
In recognition of her artistic talent and her contributions to social service through art, Josie was named a finalist in the Visual Artist category of the 2024/25 Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Josie’s talent surfaced the moment she picked up crayons as a Kindergarten Three student in an art school. She continued honing her skills throughout her primary and secondary years as a dedicated member of the school art team.
In Form Two, she led a picture book project initiated by Fu Hong Society. “The book was dedicated to a woman who suffered from postnatal depression,” Josie recalled. “She shared intimate details of her mental struggle. Based on her experiences, we created cartoons and graphic designs accompanied by simple text. In the process, we realised that everyone’s personal story is unique.”
Published during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many in Hong Kong were facing their own mental health challenges, the book deeply resonated with Josie.
“After reading it, the woman expressed her gratitude,” she said. “She told us that sharing her experience became a healing process and an important part of her life journey.”
This project strengthened Josie’s conviction that art could help raise awareness of mental health issues in Hong Kong. Encouraged by her school’s emphasis on social service, she researched how widespread mental health challenges were among local teenagers.
Motivated to act, she formed a team of changemakers and joined the “Hong Kong Impact Makers 100” programme, organised by the Youth Services at Po Leung Kuk. Under the guidance of a social worker, the team designed and executed a project for primary school students from underprivileged households.
“We organised weekly art classes and taught colour theory, colour blocking and collage making,” Josie said.
The team encouraged the children to use paint and blank paper as a free, expressive language – one that allowed them to communicate their feelings authentically while preserving their sense of innocence.
Watching the students grow was deeply rewarding. “Some kids were initially hesitant to share their thoughts. As the classes progressed, they opened up and unleashed their creativity with bold colours and imaginative styles,” she said. “Their parents gave us positive feedback. We’re glad to have spread a bit of positive energy in the community.”
In addition to SOTY recognition and her community work, Josie has achieved several personal milestones. She won the junior category of the 2023 Grantham Visual Artist Award with a series of paintings that used vibrant colours and varied styles to express the serenity of family life and the bonds between people.
“The honour is a recognition that I’ve been on the right path,” she reflected.
