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The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong (“the Diocese”) has long been concerned about the well-being of people in custody. The Diocese has set up a “Prison Chaplaincies” service to provide prisoners with religious services, such as evangelisation, spiritual care, and pastoral care. Furthermore, the rehabilitation and integration of individuals in custody back into society are essential missions of the church. As such, it is critical that prisoners receive the necessary vocational training and education to facilitate their reintegration.
Hong Kong Correctional Services Department has established an education fund to support inmates in their studies. However, in recent years the number of prisoners requiring assistance has dramatically increased, necessitating help from society. According to a Ming Pao news report of 2022, the number of associate degree, undergraduate and graduate students in prison rose from 255 in the 2017/18 academic year to 327 four years later (2021/22 academic year), an increase of nearly 30%. Under limited resources, around 1,500 applications of education funds of CSD were approved per year in recent years and the average subsidy amounted to $2700 per successful applicant in 2021, which were yet unable to cater for the learning needs of persons in custody. Thus, the inmates may need to settle certain amount of tuition fees of distance learning courses and examination fees by themselves. Due to insufficient education funds coupled with demand exceeding supply, it has become impossible to benefit all individuals in custody interested in pursuing further education.
For these reasons, the Diocese hopes to adopt an active role in the continuing development and education of people in custody. Therefore, it entrusts Caritas - Hong Kong, a social service organisation under the Diocese, to establish an education fund to address the needs of rehabilitated inmates. Donation details are as follows:
| Name of Fund | : | Light Up |
| Funding Scope |
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(1) Support for persons in custody to continue their education, including tuition and examination fees for university courses. (2) Set up a support service that provides career and life counselling for persons in custody, assisting their rehabilitation and integration into society. |
| Donation Method |
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There are two ways to donate: (1) Online Donation: Make online donation via website of Caritas - Hong Kong at https://www.caritas.org.hk/en/e_donation. (please choose your beneficiary: “Light Up”) (2) Crossed Cheque: Please make your cheque payable to “Caritas - Hong Kong” and mail to Room 135, Caritas House, 2 Caine Road, Hong Kong (please write “Light Up” on the back of the cheque). |
Should you have any enquiries, please contact Mr. Chan Wai Leung at 2843 4688.