By Father Paul Kam Po-wai
On March 23 this year, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-yan SJ, published an open letter to the public, titled, “Light Up” Fundraising Programme. It mentioned that the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong hopes to fully assist inmates in continuing education and career training, and entrusts Caritas-Hong Kong, a social service organisation under the diocese, to establish an education fund. Targeting persons in custody aged 35 or below, the fund gives financial aid to them to continue their studies, and sets up support services to provide life development counselling. The bishop called on all walks of life to support the diocese in the fundraising effort to address the needs of prisoners.
I wonder if you have seen this open letter or any promotional posters in the parish? If not, then as I am in charge of following up and implementing this plan, really have a duty to work harder to promote it. However, friends who know about this project have all expressed their appreciation to me, and are interested in learning more about it and are willing to support it. I hope that the fundraising will go smoothly and that the service will be implemented as soon as possible.
The project has given us many experiences and chances to reflection throughout the whole preparation process—since last August when we contacted the Correctional Services Department and discussed with Charlie, a staff member of Caritas, to the present—when it is being promoted and implemented. Thanks to Charlie for his efforts in promoting, researching, analysing, sharing and explaining.
The number of young people in prison continues to rise, leading to an increased demand for inmate learning. At present, the average subsidy for each successful applicant is only about HK$2,700, which is insufficient to meet the learning needs of inmates. Most of the young people in prison cannot afford the tuition and examination fees for distance learning courses.
It is hoped that the “Light Up” fund can support more of them in pursuing further education as well as increase the subsidy for each applicant so that they can study more subjects, equip themselves and have more confidence and ability to rejoin the community and contribute to society after they are released.
Apart from continuous education support services, there are also life re-engineering groups, career development counselling services, family rehabilitation support programmes, career support programmes for those released, as well as personal and community support.
To offer all these projects and services, we need the support of different people, including donors, Caritas social workers, various volunteers and co-workers, etc. We are still working hard to reach out to donors and hope to raise enough funds to start the project as soon as possible.
Under the coordination of Caritas, support will be provided in various areas and a structured team of volunteers will be established. For example, the support of psychologists, counsellors, therapists, etc, will be needed. Volunteers will be trained to act as companions to support released young people in their adjustment to life and social integration.
We also need to meet employers who would like to become partners in the project, offering interview opportunities and internships for released young people who meet their job requirements.
It is not easy to set up and implement the “Light Up” fund, so please pray for this mission and help in various ways.
