Axing HK$2,500 study grant ‘could force 60% of needy Hongkongers to cut back’
Concern groups publish survey outlining potential impact on underprivileged families if government cuts universal grant for school students
The scrapping of a HK$2,500 (US$322) government study grant could force up to 60 per cent of underprivileged Hong Kong parents to cut back on their children’s extracurricular activities and educational support, according to a survey by two concern groups.
The poll was published on Tuesday by Care for Carers and the Alliance for Children Development Rights, with both organisations urging authorities to retain the scheme to alleviate the financial stress placed on needy families.
“Scrapping the HK$2,500 grant will exacerbate the dual hardship faced by underprivileged families and children; it may seem to be a small amount, but it provides significant financial and psychological support,” said Wong Man-ling, a social worker with the alliance.
“The move will not only deprive children of learning opportunities but also intensify the vicious cycle of financial challenges and mental stress faced by those struggling parents.”
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced in February’s annual budget speech that the grant would be scrapped from the 2025-26 academic year, saving the government HK$2 billion annually but affecting nearly 800,000 students that year.
Authorities said that various schemes were available to students besides the study grant, which has been distributed to parents regardless of their financial status since 2019.