Animal care program aids reclusive youth, improving their social skills and mental health.
A new animal care initiative by Fei Yue Community Services (FYCS) is helping young people, particularly those who are reclusive or struggling with mental health, to develop confidence and social skills through animal interactions. One of the program’s participants, 20-year-old Angel Huang, shared how her anxiety about socializing diminished after she participated in the “Horse-ibilities” programme, where she cared for horses.
The initiative, in collaboration with Equal, a charity focused on equine-assisted learning, aims to help youth develop empathy, trust, communication skills, and emotional awareness through hands-on experiences with animals. Angel expressed that the animals provided a “safe space” to de-stress and discover herself, which helped her gain confidence and soft skills like initiating conversations and working in teams.
FYCS’s animal care program, which began in 2020, has since expanded to include more animals and vocational components. It has reached over 220 youth, especially those labeled as “Neet” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), and provides them with opportunities to interact with animals while developing life skills. This innovative program is an important tool for reaching socially withdrawn youth, offering them a chance to rebuild their confidence in a judgment-free environment.
Through the initiative, youth also learn about vocational opportunities, with sessions hosted at places like the zoo to encourage exploration of potential career paths. With the success of this program, FYCS aims to continue helping youth develop a positive outlook on life and work towards future goals.
