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Thursday, September 28, 1972
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME PRESENTATION
The Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas C.Y. Lee,
said today the Government's interest in youth work could be seen from
the fact that about two-fifths of current subventions to voluntary
agencies went to those doing welfare work among the young.
He was speaking at a ceremony in the Mariner's Club when 39
members of the Social Welfare Department's Princess Alexandra Community
Centre received bronze awards in the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme.
Subventions for the current financial year total approximately
$20 million, and two-fifths would be about $8 million.
Mr. Lee congratulated the award winners, and urged them to
strive for further achievements.
The scheme was a challenge to them, and to
other young people. It promoted the development of self-confidence.
He referred to the department's participation in the scheme from
February this year as one of the operating authorities, but the SWD had
been interested in the scheme since it was begun in 1961.
He recalled that the department maintained direct youth services
through a complex of community centres, youth centres, and social centres.
In addition, it helped voluntary agencies in their efforts to promote
youth work in Hong Kong. The extent of the subventions was the best
proof of this.
The bronze awards were distributed by Mr. Wilson T.S. Wang, Legislativo
Councillor and chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Committee.
Mr. Wang urged the 39 young recipients to aim for still higher
awards by exerting the four "E's" effort, energy, enthusiasm and endurance.
"If you have got these," he said, "the Duke's Award is yours.
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