368 Communications, the Media and Information Technology
Digital Inclusion
To build an inclusive, knowledge-based society, the Government has initiated digital inclusion programmes targeted at various needy groups including students from low-income families, persons with disabilities, the elderly and young people.
Internet Learning Support Programme
In this digital age, web-based learning has become an integral part of education. To mitigate the impact of 'digital divide' on the quality of learning, the Government has adopted a two-pronged strategy to help primary and secondary school students from low-income families gain access to the Internet at home for learning. Starting from the 2010-11 school year, the Government is granting an Internet access subsidy to these families. The Government has also allocated HK$220 million for the implementation of a five-year Internet Learning Support Programme to help these families acquire affordable computers and Internet access service as well as to provide user and social support to them. The programme will be launched in the 2011-12 school year.
Promoting ICT Adoption among Persons with Disabilities
The Government initiated a large-scale forum in December 2010 to facilitate exchanges among the ICT industry, non-governmental organisations, and the private-sector to promote the adoption of ICT by persons with disabilities. The forum provided a platform for the exploration of new ideas, tools, applications and assistive technologies.
Dedicated Portal for the Elderly
A dedicated portal for the elderly, 'eElderly', commenced service in June 2010. It contains information of interest to the elderly, such as health and care, an elder academy, social and recreational activities, as well as products and services relevant to their needs. It also provides a discussion forum for the elderly to enhance their inclusion in society, encouraging active and healthy old age and bridging inter-generational digital divide.
'Be Netwise' Internet Education Campaign
The Government allocated $63 million for a one-year territory-wide Internet education campaign to promote the safe and healthy use of the Internet by youngsters, their parents and teachers. The campaign was launched in September 2009 and completed in November 2010. Various activities including large-scale promotion events, roving exhibitions and training, school talks, inter-school activities, telephone hotline support, home visit technical assistance and a family counselling service were organised across the territory. These activities were well received by the community. The resources developed under the campaign including portal, parents' handbook and professional education kits, will continue to be used in a continuing effort to promote the proper and safe use of the Internet.
District Cyber Centres
A District Cyber Centres scheme aims to enable different underprivileged groups in the community to access and use ICT through the provision of computer facilities,