ILCM Joins Hands with USJ to Support Prison Outreach Programme
ILCM Joins Hands with USJ to Support Prison Outreach Programme
29
Jun
29/06/2026
A total of MOP 20,000 was donated by the International Ladies’ Club of Macau to the USJ Prison Outreach Programme.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) received a MOP 20,000 donation from the International Ladies Club of Macau (ILCM) on the 23th of June, 2026, for the USJ Prison Outreach Programme to use in support of Fellowships.
Dr. Alejandro Salcedo, ActingRector of USJ, opened the ceremony by cordially welcoming Ms. Sophie Lei, President of ILCM. He expressed the University’s gratitude for the generous and meaningful donation made by the ILCM in supporting USJ Prison Outreach Programme and the opportunity for fellowships that the donation provided. He outlined some of the features of the outreach programme, commenting on how it had expanded its scope over the years and how it provided an important service to the Macau community.
In this programme, Dr. Salcedo commented on the humanitarian and academic intentions of the programme, which are signal features of USJ. This was reinforced by comments received by the members of the USJ who were present at the ceremony. In response, Ms. Sophie Lei gave important insights on the values and operations of the ILCM, in which the alignment between its values and those of USJ was clear and well appreciated by all those present.
Ms. Sophie Lei stated that since its founding, ILCM has long been dedicated to giving back to the community with genuine care and compassion. ILCM’s latest donation will provide full backing to USJ Prison Outreach Programme, enabling incarcerated individuals to access educational resources and financial support. For ILCM, this charitable endeavour is not only a source of great encouragement but also a cherished blessing. This meaningful philanthropic undertaking is a distinct honour for every member of ILCM, allowing the organisation to participate in, witness and support impactful charitable work for the incarcerated.
Ms. Lei remarked, “This programme truly sets itself apart by offering incarcerated individuals a precious second chance at rehabilitation and a fresh start. Everyone may stumble in life, and a single misstep should never dictate one’s entire future. Through structured education and ongoing scholarship assistance, the programme helps participants regain self-confidence, foster positive values and get their lives back on track, transforming remorse into hope for what lies ahead.”
Beyond financial support for education, the initiative also prioritises spiritual comfort and emotional healing, bringing heartfelt warmth to society and generating lasting positive impact. Ms. Sophie Lei reaffirmed that ILCM will stay true to its philanthropic mission, continue to engage actively in public welfare initiatives and maintain a close partnership with the USJ. Moving forward, ILCM will keep spreading love and hope, empowering more vulnerable groups to rebuild their lives and embrace a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Delegates from the ILCM present in the ceremony include Vice-President, Nicole Massa Helm, Community Service Leader, Ms. Jolene Amaral, and ILCM member Ms. Gigi Chan. USJ representatives present were Dr. Teresa Loong, Vice-Rector for Student Life, and Prof. Helen Liu, Programme Leader of the Prison Outreach Programme.
