SOCIAL WELFARE
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 community work aimed at promoting the development of individuals and groups and at fostering a sense of community responsibility.
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 organisations for exchange programmes.
In April 1993, the commission completed the task of developing a Charter for Youth. The charter sets out important principles and ideals on youth development; it covers the protection and promotion of young people's interests and outlines the roles of all concerned in promoting youth affairs. To commemorate the formal launching of the charter, a promulgation conference was held on July 22.
The charter operates on a system of subscription, with organisations and individuals interested in promoting youth development becoming subscribers on a voluntary basis. By the end of the year, 332 organisations and 1 203 individuals had become subscribers to the charter.
The commission conducted two studies during the year. These were a study on youth participation in community activities; and on the education and career plans of young people. Working groups were also set up to examine the support system for the territory's youth, underage drinking and the moral values of Hong Kong's young people. To provide essential information for policy-makers and service providers, the commission also updated the publication Youth in Hong Kong - A Statistical Profile.
The commission has started to build a liaison network with youth and youth-related organisations to facilitate its work and to promote better co-ordination in furthering the welfare of youth.
Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education
The Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education was set up by government in May 1986 to promote civic awareness and responsibility throughout the community. Made up largely of non-government members, the committee advises 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.
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