The Youth Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Bureau held on 24 January the New Year’s Resolution and Coming of Age Ceremony for year 2025, which saw the juveniles in its facilities set new goals for the year ahead and gain the encouragement to work hard to realize the goals.

 

The ceremony began with the juveniles, clad in uniform, marching into the venue in synchronized steps. In his remarks at the ceremony, Director Cheng Fong Meng advised the juveniles that goals are the beacon of life; it is therefore of vital importance to set goals and keep moving forward, as only through this can dreams be realized. The Director put forward his “three expectations” to the juveniles: first, the juveniles should abide by the rules of the Institution, reflect on their own mistakes, correct the mistakes, cultivate good behavior and moral character, and establish right values; second, the juveniles should follow the advice and instructions of parents, teachers and the staff, be diligent in learning, be keen on seeking knowledge, and learn to be grateful and helpful; third, the juveniles should make proper life plans, have firm beliefs, be fearless of difficulties and challenges, pursue their dreams and become capable, responsible individuals who contribute to society. Citing the saying “The journey may be long and arduous, but perseverance will lead us to the destination and we will embrace a brighter future”, the Director encouraged the juveniles that as long as they have their goals set and work tirelessly toward these goals, they will definitely be able to create a wonderful life of their own.

 

In the sight of guests, teachers and family members, the juveniles solemnly read aloud the oath administered by Director Cheng Fong Meng and Director of the Youth Correctional Institution Yu Pui Lam; the juveniles then put up their personal goals for the year ahead on the new year’s resolution board, displaying their firm determination and expectations for the future. The Institution also held the Coming of Age Ceremony for a juvenile who had turned 18, celebrating the juvenile’s new stage of life and enabling him to understand the meaning of adulthood and the need to shoulder more responsibilities for his life and expectations from society.

 

The juveniles then performed the songs “Even Though the World Is Not What You Expected” and “Song of Happiness” with self-accompaniment; the overflowing sincerity in their performance effectively conveyed their gratitude and respect to their family members and the guests. In an atmosphere both solemn and warm, the ceremony came to a fruitful conclusion. After the ceremony, the Youth Correctional Institution also organized a pre-Chinese New Year reunion lunch for the juveniles and their family members. It was a touching moment of happiness as the juveniles presented gifts they had personally handmade to their family members during the lunch as tokens of gratitude and well wishes. The Correctional Services Bureau would like to thank Caritas Macau for sponsoring this Chinese New Year event and for their long-term support to our social rehabilitation services.

 

Other guests of the event included Judge Shen Li and Judge Chan Cheok Kei of the Family and Juvenile Court under the Primary Court; Prosecutor Coordinator Tam I Kuan, Prosecutor Cheang Weng In and Prosecutor Chiang Pak Seng; Head of the Social Welfare Bureau’s Department of Social Reintegration Ip Sio Mei; Secretary General of Caritas Macau Paul Pun Chi Meng; Acting Head of the Education and Youth Development Bureau’s Division of Continuing Education Chan Chak In; Principal of Escola Primária Oficial Luso-Chinesa “Sir Robert Ho Tung” Ho Im Wa; Deputy Principal of Escola Secundária Luso-Chinesa de Luís Gonzaga Gomes Hon I San Candida, as well as the juveniles’ family members.