HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954
of Hong Kong throughout the Colony's history. After a lapse of 8 years due to the second world war, the Kaifong Movement was revived in 1949. The Associa- tions which have since sprung up number 21 and have a membership of some 250,000. In addition to providing free schools, which cater for approximately 4,000 pupils, and maintaining free clinics which, during 1954, treated 73,000 cases, the Kaifong Associations have taken on many new functions. Since 1952, the Social Welfare Office has set up a special section to stimulate this movement, and where necessary to give advice and guidance to its leaders. Kaifongs now interest themselves in everything which may be of concern or benefit to their districts, and make represen- tations to Government on such matters as hawkers, and street lighting, and have also co-operated with the Government in the water-saving and fire prevention campaigns. Some work is done in adult education through the sponsoring of several St. John's Ambulance classes and the organization by the women's section of Kaifongs of sewing and literacy classes for women. With the aim of improving the moral tone of their community, and restoring traditional values, some Kaifongs have staged simple theatrical performances with didactic themes. Recently, the Homantin Kaifong opened a public library, the first in Kaifong history. Recreational facilities for the poorer sections of the community are also provided, and during the year these Associations have equipped playgrounds, organized sports teams, and arranged basket-ball and football matches to which admission is either free or at a nominal charge.
A notable feature of the work of the Kaifongs is the large contribution they have made to emergency
146