Building on two impactful years dedicated to youth emotional resilience, JCI Kowloon proudly presents the third iteration of our flagship project, Y(outh)-Soul Serious 2026: Youth Soul “Paw”er Up. This year, we evolve our focus—from engaging youth alone to uniting youth and their parents—driven by research that reveals a critical truth: sustainable mental wellness begins at home.

Asian families often face unique challenges in fostering open dialogue. Inadequate communication, both in quantity and quality, lies at the root of declining youth mental health. When violent communication takes hold, it creates emotional harm that discourages sharing and impacts behaviour, both immediately and long-term. To address this, we are introducing an innovative two-pronged approach: Nonviolent Communication Training combined with Animal-Assisted Therapy, featuring our lovable Pet Ambassadors.

Our journey unfolds in three phases. We begin with a territory-wide survey to bridge a critical research gap, examining the link between family communication patterns and youth mental health. Building on these insights, our Service Days invite families to experience Nonviolent Communication Training, equipping parents with tools to break negative cycles, followed by joyful Animal-Assisted Therapy sessions where the presence of our furry ambassador creates a neutral, pressure-free space for connection. Finally, we culminate in a public showcase and the development of a Family Communication Charter—a community commitment to guidelines that foster empathetic, effective dialogue.

Through the healing power of paws and the transformative tools of mindful communication, Y(outh)-Soul Serious 2026 empowers families to reconnect, rebuild trust, and create a stronger, more supportive home environment. Join us and discover how paws and hearts connect.