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EDUCATION
number of primary and secondary schools and students taking part in the 1974 Sum- mer Youth Activities Programme increased by about 20 per cent. More than 600,000 school students in urban and rural areas took part in activities such as camping, visits and excursions, the 'learn-to-swim' scheme, coaching and training schemes in various sports, and games. Day camps and recreational activities were also provided for handicapped children.
With the formation of the Hong Kong Schools Sports Council in 1974, the Hong Kong schools' swimming team took part in the 1974 Schools International Swimming Meet, held in Singapore, and competed with six other national teams.
Another major step has been taken in the development of recreation and sport for the community with the launching of a special recreation and sport scheme. Under the aegis of the Council for Recreation and Sport, a new unit was established with experienced officers from the physical education section of the Education Department posted to this work and new staff recruited.
The most important function of the new unit is to set up and administer an organisation of recreation and sports officers at district level. The functions of each district recreation and sports officer are to assist the community to make maximum use of all sports facilities in the district, with particular emphasis on meeting the needs of young people.
The officers work closely with the City District Officers and District Officers in the New Territories, the Community and Youth Officers of the Social Welfare Department, the police community relations officers and the district staff of the Urban Services Department in jointly promoting activities in physical recreation and sports for all age groups. They are involved in forming district sports councils, in stimulating activity in recreation and sport by voluntary associations and clubs, and liaise with the various athletic associations and sports clubs.
The first six districts to benefit from the scheme are Western, Eastern, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong and Yuen Long.
Hong Kong Students in Britain
The student section of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is respon- sible for exercising broad supervision over the education and general welfare of Hong Kong students, including trainee nurses, during their studies or training in Britain.
The main duties of the section are to assist with the placement of students in universities, polytechnics, technical colleges, colleges of further education and other educational institutions. The section also looks after students' welfare during their studies or training, and advises the students on courses which will help them find employment either in Hong Kong or elsewhere on completion of their studies. Nurses under training are regarded as students.
To carry out these duties as effectively as possible, close liaison is maintained with the Education Department and other departments in Hong Kong, and with the British Council, the Ministry of Overseas Development, the Department of