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.
![Photo of Alya and a group of children](https://www.cedars.hku.hk/image/cache/data/1631763683_135_Alya PRASAD 2-1600x1200.jpg)
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