The workshop, sponsored by the Karen Lee Center, commenced with an insightful session on Empowering Conversations, led by clinical psychologist Ms. Josephine Hui from Footprints. This segment focused on the principles of motivational interviewing, equipping participants with practical strategies to engage constructively with ambivalent students. Through guided examples and discussion, participants learned how to foster trust, navigate resistance, and facilitate meaningful, student-centered conversations that support positive behavioral and mindset shifts.
Building on this foundation, the workshop transitioned into a therapeutic creative woodworking session, where participants crafted a mini bedside table, led by BURUMU carpentry. This hands-on activity served as a powerful metaphor for student mentoring—highlighting the patience, intentionality, and care required to support each student’s individual journey. The process of measuring, assembling, and refining the piece encouraged mindfulness and reflection, reinforcing the idea that meaningful development, whether in craftsmanship or mentoring, takes time and thoughtful guidance.
The integration of motivational interviewing techniques with a therapeutic creative activity offered participants a unique and holistic learning experience. By combining cognitive understanding with tactile engagement, the workshop emphasized both the mind and the matter of student support—underscoring that effective mentoring requires not only the right conversations, but also empathy, presence, and sustained care.
PHOTOS:
Empowering Conversations
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