RESTRICTED
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Very important aspect of closed camp life, to which Hong Kong Government devote considerable attention and resources. They seek to provide educational and vocational training, with emphasis on English, in all the government-run refugee centres. Voluntary agencies run similar programmes in open centres. In Hei Ling Chau closed centre, which is for North Vietnamese and where resettlement rate is therefore lowest and potential integration problems greater, Hong Kong Government intend to provide special multi-purpose training centre. To be funded by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (total cost US$40,000) and run by World Relief voluntary agency. Should be completed by the end of June. Purpose will be to prepare Vietnamese refugees for overseas resettlement by teaching them basic manufacturing skills and use of simple machinery.
Other significant development is appointment by UNHCR of a British
teacher, Mr Nial Farrell, as Education Coordinator for all the camps, both open and closed. Since taking up post in February 1985 he has carried out a review of education in closed camps. HKG have discussed with local office of UNHCR possible improvements based on Mr Farrell's recommendations, with a view to introducing improved educational programmes in September this year. These will be funded by UNHCR. HKG hope that new programmes will be of significant benefit to refugees.
RESTRICTED