The Hong Kong government launched the “Strive and Rise Programme” in October, which aims to assist secondary school students with underprivileged backgrounds broaden their horizons and reinforce their self-confidence. CUHK is the first institution of higher learning in Hong Kong to partner with the government under the programme to receive its mentees in its eight faculties, and it began its year of programmes on Saturday 14 January with a visit to the University’s Faculty of Education.  Officiating guests included Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rocky S. Tuan, and Dean of Education Professor Fan Xitao, as well as around 100 staff and students.

Delivering his welcome speech at the event, Professor Tuan said: “This programme will allow participants to visit the Faculties of CUHK, so that they may understand the different areas of expertise offered by the various fields of academia, explore the relevant prospects offered to them, and broaden their mindsets.” He also thanked Professor William Wong Kam-fai, Associate Dean (External Affairs) of the Faculty of Engineering and newly-elected LegCo member, for enabling the establishment of the Programme and allowing participants to come to CUHK. The Chief Secretary then took to the stage and stated his pleasure at the Programme for providing “fertile soil for a group of junior secondary school students”, and further stated his firm belief that “by listening and talking to CUHK professors and students, mentees will be inspired to explore their own interests and discover different possibilities for their future development”.

The ceremony and programme featured speakers from across the Faculty of Education, including Chairperson of the Department of Educational Psychology, Professor Tse Chi-shing, and the Faculty’s Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), Professor Raymond Sum Kim-wai. The CUHK Men’s Baseball team then led participants in group sharing and games, bringing the morning’s events to a close.

The Programme will continue with visits to other faculties in the winter and spring.