By Father Paul Kam Po-wai
The Bull of Indiction from Pope Francis, Spes non confundit [Hope does not disappoint], was issued on May 9 during the Solemnity of the Ascension, proclaiming the Jubilee Year 2025. The title comes from the Letter to the Romans [5:5]. In it the pope calls the world to embrace the grace of hope with supplications, proposals, and appeals. He also introduces new ideas for the Jubilee Year, including the opening of a Holy Door in a prison and the celebration of the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Reading about the opening of a Holy Door in prison reminded me of the diocese’s “Light-up” Fund, as it feels like opening a holy door—a door of hope—for young people in prison.
The fund has been operational for over a year and is thriving thanks to the support of Caritas, as well as generous donations from various foundations, parishioners, and individuals in different sectors. Last month, I received a report from the Correctional Services Department addressed to Cardinal Stephen.
It indicated that during the past year, a total of 370 young inmates from 12 correctional institutions utilised our fund to pursue further education. This included 149 individuals who enrolled in public examinations and 221 who took courses offered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Metropolitan University, or the Hong Kong Management Association. In total, more than $600,000 was granted.
One of the fund’s most important missions is to help young people reintegrate into society after their release from prison. In the past year, our social workers visited the Tong Fuk Correctional Institution [for young people aged 21 to 35] and the Sha Tsui Correctional Institution [for those under 21]. They organised five groups, consisting of three career development groups and two family relationship reconstruction groups, with each group hosting five gatherings. In total, each group conducted five sessions involving 50 participants.
These groups are well received by young people and appreciated by the staff of the Correctional Services Department.
The career development group helps young people reflect on meaningful career experiences and their significance in life, encouraging exploration of personal skills, values, and future planning. The family relationship reconstruction group uses narrative practices and artistic creation to help young people reflect on their family relationships.
I have participated in several group meetings with social workers and appreciate the professionalism and commitment of all involved. The trust and honesty of the young people were healing and therapeutic.
Our social workers will continue to connect with them through letters, and we look forward to supporting them after their release from prison next year.
Currently, we serve only young men in correctional institutions but have applied to the Correctional Services Department to start a group for young women at Lo Wu Correctional Institution in the future.
We have contacted around 20 young individuals still in prison, through referrals from the Correctional Services Department and various organisations. Our aim is to help them find jobs or continue their studies. So far, we have successfully assisted 11 young people. Our social workers will monitor their progress, support them, and help them adapt to their new lives.
To assist young individuals in custody with more effective career development planning, we will organise a career expo at both Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and Tong Fuk Correctional Institution, in collaboration with the Correctional Services Department.
This event will offer young people in custody the chance to connect with potential employers and industry professionals, gaining insights into current employment trends. Employers can also discover suitable talent. The programme will feature creative activities, discussions on industry developments, and conversations with employers.
To promote the “Light-up” Fund, we have visited several parishes for fundraising and awareness, and we will continue our outreach in more areas.
This programme and project are not simple, but they represent a meaningful mission that requires your support and prayers. We will work diligently to develop and create more opportunities, hoping that the fund can truly open a door of hope for young people in prison, enabling them to find renewed hope for their futures.
