Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Youths have all kinds of dreams. However, the passion of many fades away with the test of time, obstacles and failures.
Young people are our hope, and much-needed pillars of our society. Yet, as part of the Church and as part of society, we have to ask, “How much have we invested in them?”
Caritas Institute of Higher Education (CIHE/the Institute) has been providing quality education for these future pillars and giving second chances to those who have stumbled. We look forward to the Institute becoming the Saint Francis University in the future. The Institute is dedicated to guiding young people to the road of success, through professional training, and providing them with a platform to discover their strengths and fulfill their potential. As the Catholic university in Hong Kong, the Institute aims to instill high professional moral and good values of the Church in the next generation, who can then contribute fully to society.
Since the launch of the Seventh Matching Grant Scheme offered by the HKSAR Government in August 2017, we have successfully secured the “floor” of HK$12 million in matching grant on a dollar-to-dollar matching basis (i.e. a $1 to $1 matching ratio). We sincerely thank all supporters for their contributions. However, we still have to work harder as donations beyond the floor will be matched on one-dollar-for-two-dollar basis (i.e. $1 government grant for every $2 of donation), up to the “ceiling” of HK$100 million while the available matching fund lasts.
Even with the matching grant, it remains a challenge for us to raise the remaining balance of the construction cost of HK$800 million for the new CIHE campus, and an additional HK$200 million for the university start-up operation. We hope that all of you who share our vision of building society and the church will contribute generously, and support us in prayers and actions to realise the Saint Francis University!
May Christ bring grace, reward and joy to you and your family! Thank you!
Most Rev Michael Yeung
Late Bishop of Hong Kong
Former Chairperson, Board of Governors
Caritas Institute of Higher Education