This summer Hong Kong witnessed a semi-lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak which has been a huge challenge for children with Special Education Needs (SEN). Lengthened stay-home time of both adults and kids have created frictions in familial relationship, and children with different learning styles were frustrated because of lack of outdoor time. Negative emotions and soured relationship adversely affected the quality of interaction within SEN families.

In light of this, I-WELL invited experienced social worker and Japanese Nagomi Pastel Art Advanced Instructors, Ms. Michelle Leung and Mr. Paul Choy, to host an online pastel art workshop with more than 20 parents and children with SEN. Though this was their first-ever encounter with pastel art, both adults and children were enlivened with the quality art therapy exposure and online interaction with I-WELL professionals and fellow children and completed two beautiful pieces of work. This activity is part of the “I-Believe Plus”donation project launched in April 2020, aiming to empower parents of children with SEN in parenting theories, parent-child interaction practices and counselling sessions for SEN kids amidst the pandemic.

I-WELL would arrange enhancement workshops to these clients when epidemic is under control. Whether online or offline, we hope to empower parents of disadvantaged families with positive parenting skills, and to enliven the children with greater emotional control and resilience.