SOCIAL WELFARE
166
Community building efforts involve the provision of purpose-built facilities for group and community activities, the formation of citizens' organisations and the 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.
The Social Welfare Department is responsible for various aspects of group and com- munity work aimed at promoting the development of individuals and groups and at fostering a sense of community responsibility.
Community centres run by the City and New Territories Administration are provided throughout the territory to serve as a base for community building work.
Commission on Youth
The Commission on Youth was established in February 1990 with members appointed by the Governor. The main objectives were to advise the Governor on matters pertaining to - youth, to initiate research, to promote co-operation and co-ordination in the provision of youth services and to serve as a focal liaison point with other international youth organi- sations for exchange programmes.
The commission is developing a Charter for Youth containing important principles and ideals covering the protection, nurture and promotion of young people's interests and stating the roles of all concerned in promoting youth affairs. A consultative docu- ment on the draft Charter for Youth was published in February 1992 to seek the views of the public.
The commission also completed two studies in 1992. These are a study on the attitudes and expectations of youth towards their future; and on the influence of the mass media on youth. The commission's recommendations on these two subjects were presented to the relevant government departments. Working groups have also been set up to examine youth participation in community activities as well as their education and career plans. These studies will identify necessary measures to build Hong Kong's youth for the future.
The commission has also started to build up a liaison network with youth and youth- related organisations to facilitate its work and to promote better co-ordination in further- ing the well-being of youth.
Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
In May 1986, the government set up the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education to encourage all sectors of the community to 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 encourages, through sponsorship, community efforts in organising civic education activities among different age groups.
The committee sponsored 29 projects in 1992 with an allocation of over one million dollars. As the committee has chosen 'the rule of law' as one of its major work emphases