SOCIAL WELFARE
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 and more than 130 organisations, boards and committees commented on its recommendations.
The committee's final recommendations were considered by the government in mid- 1989. It was decided that a Commission on Youth with members appointed by the Governor would be set up in early 1990 to advise the government on matters pertaining to youth, promote better co-operation among those involved in providing youth services, undertake research on young people and serve as a contact point for youth exchanges with overseas organisations.
To promote public awareness of the importance of young people, the committee launched a Youth Festival in December 1989. About 100 organisations participated in the festival, the theme of which emphasised young people's commitment towards building a better community. More than 80 events were staged in various districts during the month-long festival.
Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
In 1986 the government set up the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education to encourage all sectors of the community to actively promote civic awareness and responsibility.
Made up largely of non-government members, the committee advises the government and community organisations on the objectives and scope of civic education. It en- courages, through sponsorship, community effort in organising civic education activities among different age groups.
During the year, the committee sponsored 26 projects with an allocation of $760,000. A Civic Education Resource Centre was set up on the advice of the committee to provide updated reference materials for organisers of relevant activities.
A new theme song carrying the message 'Hong Kong's Future is Right in Your Hands' was produced and shown on television. Other promotional activities launched by the committee included a seminar on the Spirit of Rule of Law and a number of outdoor projects to encourage people's participation in political and community affairs. The work of the committee has received a great deal of support from district organisations, in particular district boards.
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