integrated communities by encouraging people to take part in healthy pursuits and community programmes. In this way a sense of mutual co-operation and a civic responsibility can grow and the capacity for leadership can be developed. Community development methods seek to emphasize an awareness and under-standing of the community, to establish meaningful work relationships, and to encourage people to take on responsibility within their own communities.
36. This is achieved through community centres and district com- munity officers scheme. There are community centres at Wong Tai Sin, Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong and Tai Hang Tung, and a town hall in Yuen Long. A community centre is being planned in Chai Wan. In addition, there are two social centres, one in western district of Hong Kong Island and the other in Sheung Shui in New Territories.
37. Apart from providing welfare services to the community, the centres are used as a focal point for social, cultural, recreational and community activities. Welfare services commonly found in centres include a day nursery, vocational training classes, family casework services, special services for disabled children, recreational facilities, a library, a conference room and a communal hall. Joint projects are arranged to meet specific needs. These include seasonal celebrations, care for the senior residents, young people's participation and contribu- tion towards community services, social and recreational activities. Similar but limited services are also provided in social centres of the Department and comparable centres are also run by voluntary agencies.
38. Community development and group work are not confined, however, to community and social centres. In February 1969, District Community Officers were appointed in Yau Ma Tei, Sham Shui Po, Western and Wan Chai to extend community work outside the limits of community and social centres. Their main task has been to foster the growth of responsible attitudes and social consciousness among people and help in the development of groups and in advising local organizations. Since the implementation of the scheme, increased co-operation has been achieved among voluntary welfare agencies and district organizations. Special emphasis is laid on the training of young volunteers and the development of voluntary service teams. Various service projects have been held successfully in dis- tricts. Consideration is being made for additional appointments of District Community Officers in other districts.
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