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SOCIAL WELFARE
This programme co-ordinated by the Community Building Policy Committee, serves to foster among the people a sense of belonging, mutual care and civic responsibility as society undergoes rapid socio-economic changes.
Community building efforts involve the provision of purpose-built facilities for group and community activities, formation of citizens' organisations and encouragement of community participation in the administration of public affairs, solving community problems, promoting social stability and improving the quality of life in general.
The City and New Territories Administration and the Social Welfare Department are the two departments principally responsible for implementing this programme. The City and New Territories Administration, through its network of district offices, is primarily concerned with promoting mutual care and community spirit through local organisations, such as area committees, mutual aid committees, rural committees, kaifong welfare associations, women's organisations and local arts and sports associations. Community centres, run by the City and New Territories Administration, are provided throughout the territory to serve as a base for community building work.
The Social Welfare Department is responsible for various aspects of group and community work aimed at promoting the development of individuals and groups and at fostering a sense of community responsibility.
Central Committee on Youth
The Central Committee on Youth was set up in mid-1986 by the government with the main task of examining whether there was a need for a youth policy in Hong Kong. In April 1988, the committee issued a Report on Youth Policy for public consultation. More than 130 organisations, boards and committees were invited to comment on the recommendations of the committee and its final recommendations will be submitted to the government in early 1989.
The committee also carries out research work on youth matters and activities. During the year, the committee compiled a 'statistical youth profile' and conducted a number of surveys on youth matters. It also launched several promotional programmes to increase public awareness of youth services and activities.
Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
In 1986 the government set up the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education to increase community participation in the promotion of civic awareness outside the school system.
Made up largely of non-government members, the committee advises the government and community organisations on the objectives and scopes of civic education. It encourages, through sponsorship, community effort in organising civic education activities among different age groups.
During the year, the committee sponsored 21 projects with an allocation of $620,000. Together with RTHK, the committee launched a special project recruiting 500 youths in the summer to provide voluntary services to the community, as part of the efforts to promote the civic education slogan 'Care for Your Community. Work for Your Community'.
Other promotional activities include the organisation of seminars and surveys and the production of publicity materials. The work of the committee has received a great deal of support from district organisations, in particular district boards.