Using Art to Create Social Change
Using Art to Create Social Change
Alya Prasad's Story
Faculty of Education and Faculty of Science
BEd&BSc
I had the privilege to represent HKU as a delegate at the 2nd Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand. The experience was life-changing. I was moved when conversing with inspiring keynote speakers who brought attention to pressing issues in our society and world history. I was also able to foster long lasting friendships through countless interactions with other delegates from 50 different counties.
Leaving the summit, I felt empowered to pursue an inborn desire to contribute to society by catering to issues I was passionate about. These issues include equal access to quality education, mental health, racial equality and more.
Given the opportunity to cultivate my leadership skills as a Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassador, I co-founded “Artpeace” alongside another delegate and like-minded friend from The National University of SingaporeI met at the conference. Artpeace, a youth organization of 12 members from 7 different countries, aims to raise awareness and take action towards important global issues through various artforms.
"I hope that what we created can become
channels to connect with and positively impact marginalised communities."The concept of using art to create social change arose from our merged past experiences of bringing art to refugee students. As a previous participant of the Nurturing Global Leaders Program, stationed in Mae Sot, Thailand, for 2 months, I volunteered to teach refugee and migrant students English. As an aspiring educator, I explored innovative and interactive methods of incorporating drama and dance into nurturing meaningful and constructive language learning.
With these combined opportunities offered by the university, Artpeace could be born! I hope that what we created can become channels to connect with and positively impact marginalised communities.
Written by:
Alya Prasad
Year 2, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Science
June 2020