Project PATH+

Introduction

National security is the cornerstone of social stability, economic prosperity and the well-being of citizens. Fostering public awareness of national security is a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.  Since 2021, the Correctional Services Department has launched the “Project PATH”, which is pursued along three major rehabilitation directions, namely understanding Chinese history and strengthening national education, psychological reconstruction and re-establishment of values, and life planning and rebuilding of family relationships. The programme aims to assist persons in custody who have committed offences due to radical thoughts to rebuild positive values, face life’s challenges positively, obtain a better understanding of Chinese history and culture, and strengthen their sense of national identity.

To further consolidate the rehabilitative outcome of rehabilitated persons after release and to continue to support their smooth reintegration into society, the Department has launched the “Project PATH+”, under which the institutional rehabilitation services under the “Project PATH” are extended to include rehabilitated persons who have previously participated in the programme.  The “Project PATH+” allows eligible individuals to participate on a voluntary basis.

Through systematic and diversified activities, the “Project PATH+” aims to enhance rehabilitated persons’ awareness of national security, cultivate law-abiding awareness and a sense of responsibility, and assist them in becoming law-abiding, responsible and contributing members of society, so that joint efforts can be made to safeguard national security and social stability.

Programme Objectives

• Enhancing national security awareness and the understanding of the rule of law:

  Enable rehabilitated persons to understand the holistic approach to national security, recognise its importance across political, economic, cyber, cultural and other domains, and appreciate that safeguarding national security is a legal responsibility of citizens.  At the same time, help them correctly understand the rule of law, and cultivate law-abiding and legal awareness.

• Establishing correct values and strengthening psychological resilience:

  Assist rehabilitated persons in establishing correct values and a positive outlook on life, strengthening their national awareness and sense of national identity, while enhancing their resilience, problem-solving abilities and self-identity, thereby building a healthy psychological foundation.

• Identifying life direction and strengthening family relationships:

  Assist rehabilitated persons in redefining their life goals, making life planning, aligning personal development with the needs of the nation and society.  At the same time, foster family communication to rebuild trust and a support network, thereby reinforcing the important role of family in personal transformation and reintegration into society.

Programme Details

Diversified activities based on three major rehabilitation directions are launched under the “Project PATH+”.  We will collaborate with professional organisations to provide support services.

I. Enhancing National Security Awareness and Understanding of the Rule of Law Series

1. Mainland Exchange Tours
   Through field visits and exchange activities, participants can gain an in-depth understanding of the nation’s history, development process, technological innovations and achievements of industries, thereby strengthening their sense of national identity and fostering their affection for the country.
2. Chinese Culture Workshops and Experiential Activities
   Organised by professional educational institutions, these interactive activities allow participants to experience traditional Chinese culture and crafts, thereby deepening their understanding of Chinese culture.
3. National Security Education Talks and Advanced Courses
   By giving participants an overview of national development, the fundamental political system and national policies, these talks and courses enhance their awareness of safeguarding national security.
4. Visits to Thematic Exhibitions
   Through multimedia interactive exhibitions, participants can personally learn about the nation’s development and achievements, and the related thematic topics.

II. Establishing Correct Values and Strengthening Psychological Resilience Series

1. Volunteer Services
   Through participating in community services, participants can develop a sense of responsibility, empathy and positive self-worth, and rebuild connections with society.
2. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Workshops and Experiential Activities
   Through mindfulness practice and training in emotional regulation techniques, participants can enhance their emotional management abilities and psychological resilience, improve interpersonal relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviour.
3. Adventure-based Training Programmes
   Through experiential learning, participants’ teamwork spirit, problem-solving skills and resilience can be strengthened, thereby fostering healthy social interaction patterns and building up self-confidence.

III. Identifying Life Direction and Strengthening Family Relationships Series

1. Life Planning Interviews and Talks
   Participants are provided with career guidance and job-seeking skills training, which help them set clear development directions and career goals.
2. Work Experience Programmes
   Participants are engaged in practical work under mentors’ guidance, through which they can accumulate job experience, enhance workplace skills and learn to build up trust with employers.
3. Family Communication Workshops and Family Fun Days
   Through communication skills training and parent-child/family activities, participants can strengthen their family support network and mend family relationships, thereby facilitating their smooth reintegration into society.

Eligibility

Rehabilitated persons who have previously participated in the “Project PATH”.

Application Method

Eligible individuals interested in participating in the project should complete and submit the application form (online form in Word format) by email to Rehabilitation Unit (3) (email address: ru3_info@csd.gov.hk).

Activities under the “Project PATH+” will be announced and updated from time to time on the Department’s website.  Please stay tuned for the latest information.

Remarks: Some activities may have specific participation requirements (e.g. a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents is required for Mainland exchange tours). Details will be specified in individual activity announcements.  The Department will make appropriate arrangements having regard to actual circumstances and participants’ needs.