A study on the implementation of a positive youth development program (Project P.A.T.H.S.) for secondary on ethnic minority students living in Hong Kong

Abstract

Project P.A.T.H.S. is a curricular-based program that attempts to promote positive youth development in Hong Kong. It is a universal program providing for junior secondary school students in the participating schools. With more than 30 evaluation studies carried by the Project P.A.T.H.S. research team, none has evaluated its impact on ethnic minority students living in Hong Kong. Counting for about 5% of the total population, non-Chinese are living in a rather disadvantaged position. An effective implementation of positive youth development program during their adolescence stage would surely help promote them a better life in Hong Kong. The aims of this study is to: 1) understand the expectations that S1 ethnic minority Hong Kong students have for a youth development program, 2) explore the effectiveness of Project P.A.T.H.S. as perceived by ethnic minority students, and 3) explore critical factors for successfully achieving the intended learning outcomes of Project P.A.T.H.S. It is a process evaluation study. Qualitative methods are adopted in which data was obtained through class observations (in three schools) and in-depth interviews (for twenty-two students) in 2007-2008 school year. Discussion is made on: 1) Ethnic minority students' expectation for youth development program, 2) effectiveness of Project P.A.T.H.S. as perceived by ethnic minority students (in terms of 5C: Connection, Competence, Confidence, Contribution and Character), and 3) People, Program, and Process as critical factors for effective program implementation. The limitations and recommendations of this study, together with suggestions for future research are pinpointed at the end of this paper.

Date of Award	4 Oct 2010
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	City University of Hong Kong
Supervisor	T Y LEE (Supervisor)