Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project in China : reflections and issues to be resolved

Abstract

Modeling after the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong, Tin Ka Ping P.A.T.H.S. Project was implemented in mainland China in 2011. With initial success, the project was further expanded to more schools after strengthening the training programs. In this paper, we discuss the lessons learned from this positive youth development (PYD) program in mainland China after one decade. Besides, we outline several issues for the development and implementation of PYD programs in China. These include responding to different needs of Chinese adolescents, theory-driven and evidence-based PYD programs, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, stepping up training programs for teachers, focusing on program implementation quality, multi-method evaluation of program outcomes, and promoting long-term sustainability of the PYD programs. Finally, we highlight the possible program development and research directions on PYD programs in China.