CHAPTER IV
GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION
55. Community development implies a process by which the people of an area are encouraged to acquire a better appreciation of the needs and problems which affect them, both as individuals and as members of the community to which they belong, and through mutual co-operation to promote their own well-being, as well as the common interest. It is a process which touches the activities of many government depart- ments, and not least the Social Welfare Department.
56. The Group and Community Work Division works within the conception of helping the development of responsible and integrated groups and communities by encouraging people to take part in healthy pursuits and in group and community programmes through the provision of community centres, district community officers, youth services, and library services.
Community and Social Centres
57. The Division operates community centres in Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong, Tai Hang Tung and Tsuen Wan and social centres in the western district of Hong Kong Island and in Sheung Shui in the New Territories. Each centre provides a variety of welfare, youth and group activities which include the provision of nurseries, family services, interest groups and social clubs, the launching of mass programmes and joint community projects, and the encouragement of volunteer service. These centres, apart from providing welfare services, are used as bases for community work. A new Chai Wan Community Centre is expected to be ready by the end of 1973.
Community development projects
58. During the year, community projects have been launched by community and social centres in various districts with the active involvement and participation of individuals and groups. New Year celebrations to entertain the young, care programmes for the old were organized by the joint efforts of local welfare agencies, schools, govern- ment departments and interested individuals in the districts of Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Western District, Sheung Shui and Fanling. Seminars and conferences on various community problems
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