HONG KONG (SE): “At this stage, I think I have some ideas about the next direction of my life through these courses,” said Po [not her real name], a participant in the training programmes organised by the Light Up Fundraising Programme of the diocese, in collaboration with various organisations. Through one of the classes offered by the fund, she discovered a newfound interest in the coffee industry.
Recognising the growing educational needs of incarcerated individuals, the diocese commissioned Caritas-Hong Kong to establish an education fund in 2023. The initiative supports the education of young people under the age of 35, both those currently in prison and those who have been released and are struggling to reintegrate into society.
Po learned about the fund through a friend and recalled how it helped her overcome emotional challenges when she first embarked on a new chapter in life. She expressed deep gratitude for this support. “Emotional support was crucial for me to fully prepare for a new life. I’m especially thankful to the social workers who walked with me and referred me to counsellors and psychologists,” she said.
One of the classes, run in partnership with the Youth Global Network, focuses on barista skills and coffee tasting [cupping]. The course spans approximately two months, comprising 15 three-hour sessions held twice weekly. It provides in-depth knowledge on coffee bean flavours and industry insights.
At this stage, I think I have some ideas about the next direction of my life through these courses
Po
Reflecting on her experience in the coffee class, Po shared how the training sharpened her ability to identify and describe coffee flavours—a skill essential for customer service. She came to appreciate the subtle and complex nature of coffee, which requires a refined palate. She noted that she now avoids overly spicy or stimulating foods as they can dull her sense of taste.
Po has also taken part in the fund’s promotional activities at local parishes and at Saint Francis University. These experiences have allowed her to apply her training in real-life scenarios, improving her confidence and ability to handle challenges outside the classroom. She fondly recalled making 150 cups of coffee in a single morning during a visit to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Wan Chai on April 6.
Yi [not her real name], another participant, shared her journey in an English course supported by the fund. The course, which prepares students for the IELTS examination, is run in collaboration with the Caritas Institute of Community Education and involves highly interactive and intensive sessions twice a week from late February to late April.
Yi also works part-time for the fund, assisting with event organisation and promotional efforts. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunities the fund has provided, which have enabled her to explore a range of personal interests.
It’s important to be proactive in your own development rather than staying passive and lost
Yi
She candidly shared the confusion and uncertainty she felt while initially adjusting to life in society. While the courses may not offer a definitive path, they have served as a platform for personal growth and self-discovery. “It’s important to be proactive in your own development rather than staying passive and lost,” she said, adding that mutual encouragement among classmates has also been a source of strength.
Father Paul Kam Po-wai, vicar veneral of the diocese and coordinator of the fund, stated that around 50 young people have so far benefited from the initiative. The fund has enabled them to access various training opportunities free from financial worries, while promoting teamwork, skill acquisition, and personal development.
According to Father Kam, a group of devoted laypeople plan to start a business to support underprivileged groups, including participants of the Light Up Project who will help to sell coffee beans and brew coffee for customers at different locations. Buyers can also donate part of what they pay to the fund or parish groups through Caritas.
