SOCIAL SERVICES
years. The closed frontier has meant that the aged and the physically and mentally handicapped have not returned to their native places when they have become incapable of earning a living. Private homes for the aged are crowded and have long waiting lists and it has become necessary for the Social Welfare Office to under- take the care of blind boys, and crippled and mentally defective persons, under makeshift conditions while long-term plans are being considered.
Community Development
citizens"
or
Community Development in Hong Kong, with its large urban population, has naturally progressed along different lines from those in Colonies with a pre- The ancient Chinese dominately rural population. tradition of communal service undertaken by the sound foundation for "Kaifong" has provided a modern development. The Cantonese word "kaifong"
"responsible "neighbours", "elders", and the kaifongs for centuries played a significant part in urban society in South China. They undertook not only the responsibility for charitable and other similar services, such as the provision of free schools and medical attention for the poor, but also for local public works and other community services which are normally the direct responsibility of the adminis-
means
tration.
In the middle of 1949 there began a striking modern development of the Kaifong movement along more formal lines than those described above. Kaifong Welfare Associations, with a written constitution, were formed for carrying out the local development of welfare
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