Development of a positive youth development subject in a university context in Hong Kong

Abstract

A survey of the literature shows that there are worrying develop\xadmental issues among university students in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, universal adolescent prevention and positive youth development programs specifically designed for university students are grossly lacking in Hong Kong. With reference to the positive youth development approach, it is argued that promotion of intrapersonal competencies and interpersonal relationship skills among university students is an important strategy to facilitate holistic development and well-being of young people in Hong Kong. At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a course entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” focusing on positive youth development constructs to promote student well-being will be offered on a compulsory basis starting from the 2012/13 academic year under the new undergraduate curriculum structure. This paper outlines the objectives, intended learning outcomes, syllabus, assessment and references of the subject.