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SOCIAL WELFARE
An encouraging beginning has already been made in the com- munity and social centres in Hong Kong, which provide a focus for work in this field. Social workers in the department are directed to work outwards from each centre, forging social links with the residents. They also give judicious support, without control or condescension, to neighbourhood groups which are already providing their members with a sense of belonging and an awareness of the larger community to which the group itself belongs.
There are now three community centres: the first centre at Wong Tai Sin is nearly five years old; the second was completed a year later in the rapidly growing industrial town of Tsuen Wan; while the third and latest centre was opened in Kwun Tong in February this year. In addition there are two social centres, one in the old Tsan Yuk Hospital building in the heart of the slums on Hong Kong Island and one at Sheung Shui, a largely rebuilt town in the New Territories. At each of these centres there is a range of welfare services including day nurseries, vocational training classes, case- work services, libraries, and group activities including, amongst much else, youth clubs, interest groups in photography, Chinese opera, music, judo, Chinese boxing and calligraphy.
三
TRAINING
There is little prospect of success in this task without adequately trained social work staff. Recommendations in the report of the Social Work Training Consultants are being considered by the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University and the Govern- ment. One of the main recommendations, the establishment of a Chair of Social Studies at the University of Hong Kong, has already been accepted, while the Chinese University has created and filled a Chair of Social Work. The Advisory Committee on Social Work Training advises on the promotion and co-ordination of training for social workers in Hong Kong at all levels. Another important committee manages the Social Work Training Fund which has so far granted $190,770 towards university courses and other training.
The University of Hong Kong provides a two-year course leading to a Certificate in Social Studies and a one-year post graduate course leading to a Diploma (during the year 13 students completed their courses and 26 are enrolled in the current year). At the Chinese