Urban Graduation Approach (UGA) Introduction:

A Pioneering Approach to Combat Urban Poverty

Understanding the Urban Graduation Approach (UGA)

JC PROJECT LIFT sets out to reduce poverty levels by pioneering the Urban Graduation Approach (UGA) in Hong Kong. Based on the successful Graduation Approach (GA) used in rural settings overseas, the UGA has been localised to address the challenges of poverty in a modern urban environment. It is targeted at empowering underprivileged families living in transitional housing to lift them out of poverty.

Several key social innovations have been introduced under the project. The Family Capacity Building Planner helps families identify and strengthen their capacities and set development goals. At the Level-up Empowerment Employment Centre, professional consultants guide them in identifying their strengths, upskilling and exploring new career opportunities, while the JC LIFT Hub serves to foster community support and wellbeing.

Through the project, we aim to help families break the poverty trap by enhancing their capacities and developing sustainable livelihoods. Besides empowering them financially through a savings scheme and initiatives that improve their employment prospects, we also seek to build their confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them to expand their social circle and engage with the wider community.

A Mission to Break the Cycle of Poverty

JC PROJECT LIFT represents a commitment to the community for a brighter future, offering a way out of poverty and fair opportunities for everyone. Here’s what this initiative stands for:
Future-Focused Empowerment This strategy equips individuals and families with the tools and support needed to not just survive but thrive, redefining their futures towards lasting prosperity.
A Pioneering Model for Cities JC PROJECT LIFT introduces a unique, targeted, and time-limited approach crafted to address the nuances of urban poverty effectively.
A Major Philanthropic Endeavor Supported by a HK$720 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and in collaboration with 18 partners, this initiative aims to impact over 14,000 families across 25 transitional social housing sites, fostering well-being and strengthening community ties.

Significant Social Innovation

The Family Capacity Building Planner (FCBP) A pioneering tool in social services in Hong Kong, the FCBP designs customised development plans tailored to each household’s specific needs, promoting growth and advancement on a familial level.
Level-Up Empowerment Employment Service Level Up Empowerment Employment Centre (LUE-EC) The service transcends traditional job-matching with an aim to improve one’s employability for sustainable and future-oriented careers. It also deploys an innovative pay-for-success, rather than an output-based approach.
Savings Plan with Preferential High Interest Rates This program introduces a special high-interest savings scheme designed for asset building, encouraging sustainable savings habits and financial independence.

Advisory Committee

Convenor
Person 1 Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching, GBS, JP Chief Executive Officer, Insurance Authority
Government Officials
Person 2 Mr Victor Tai Sheung-shing, JP Under Secretary for Housing, HKSAR Government
Person 3 Ms Annisa Ma Sau-ching Assistant Director (Social Security), Social Welfare Department, HKSAR Government
Sector Experts
Person 4 Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching, JP Human Resources Director, MTR Corporation Limited
Person 5 Dr Jane Lee Ching-yee, JP President, Our Hong Kong Foundation Limited
Person 6 Prof. Tang Heiwai Associate Dean (External Relations), HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong
Project Partner Representatives
Person 7 Mrs Patricia Lau Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council
Person 8 Ms Rannie Lee Wah-lun Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, Hang Seng Bank Limited
Person 9 Mr Albert Su Yau-on Chief Executive, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Person 10 Mr Vincent Tang Chi-leung Chief Executive Officer, Pok Oi Hospital
Representative from HKJC
Person 11 Ms Winnie Ying Head of Charities (Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation; and Talent & Sector Development), The Hong Kong Jockey Club
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Created and Funded by

Lift Together:
Our Core Partners

Our Partners

Together for the Goal:
Our Collaborative Network:
Incubation Partners
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Strategic Financial Services Partner
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Strategic Partners
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Our Community

JC PROJECT LIFT encompasses 25 sites and locations, showcasing our extensive reach throughout Hong Kong. This expansive coverage ensures that diverse communities feel the impact of our presence, weaving a network of support and opportunity across 11 districts. Map