The “Strive and Rise Programme” (Third Cohort 2025) graduation ceremony was successfully held on December 28 at the Kai Tak Arts Centre. Nearly 4,000 graduating students completed a year-long intensive foundation program, nurturing their dreams with the support of government, businesses, and the community. At the ceremony, they showcased their hard work and expressed their gratitude to their teachers and friends.
The ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Administration, Chan Kwok Ki. Also present to witness the graduates were the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mak Mei Kuen; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yuk Han; the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr. Sze Chun Fai; the Director of Social Welfare, To Wing Hang; and the Acting Director of Home Affairs, Wong Yuen Yung.
Chan Kwok Ki also extended special gratitude to the mentors for their outstanding contributions in nurturing the younger generation. They have accompanied the participants on their journey of growth, boosting their confidence, fostering a positive outlook on life, and helping them set clear goals for the future while striving to put them into practice. Approximately 400 mentors have participated in the program for three consecutive phases, with some continuing their support into the fourth phase. Mentors Chan Kam-ki and Chow Shuk-yee received the “Caring Mentor Award,” while mentor Chan Shuk-wai was honored with the “Mentor and Friend Award.” Additionally, Centum Charitas Foundation was honored to receive the “Strategic Partner Award” for the “Strive and Rise Programme” Third Cohort. This award recognizes the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting the holistic development of youth and unlocking their potential.
During the sharing session, participants discussed the Hainan exchange program featuring the “Food Journey in Qionghai” agricultural research trip organized by our association. They expressed that the activity proved highly beneficial and broadened their horizons.
The Strive and Rise Programme, developed and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, focuses on supporting Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 students from disadvantaged families through collaboration among government, business, and community sectors. It comprises three key elements: “Mentor-Mentee Matching,” “Personal Development Planning,” and “Financial Support.” As the fourth phase of the programme is about to commence, our association is actively encouraging individuals to serve as mentors and providing activities for participants to engage in.
