July 2015
HKU advocates equal learning opportunities for all and believes that no young people should be deprived of the right to pursue knowledge. It is this belief that brought two HKU educational initiatives – the First-in-the-Family Education Fund (FIFE Fund) and On My Way to HKU – together.
On March 26, 2015, a group of primary school students from diverse backgrounds came to HKU to experience a half-day of university life with recipients of the FIFE Fund. The intention was that, through these interactions, these young children might develop a positive attitude towards education and aspire to pursue a productive life whatever adversities they may face.
Jasmine Yip, a FIFE Fund recipient, shared her story during the ceremony: “Becoming a Latin Dance Instructor had long been dream of mine. I wanted to get into university because it is a chance to be lifted out of poverty, and a university education provides ample opportunities for students to develop their own interests.”
With the financial assistance provided by the FIFE Fund, Jasmine was able to sit for a professional dancing teacher examination and now she teaches Latin Dance part time to children at a public housing estate. “All I know is it’s important to pay it forward, and that’s the spirit!” she explained.
The FIFE Fund, established in 2008, offers funding support for students from grass-roots families who are the first generation in their families to attend university that will let them participate in learning activities outside the classroom. To date, the Fund has supported more than 2,000 students to realise their dreams despite their family financial constraints.
Please click below for more information about the Fund and the sharing stories of the Fund recipients.
