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Youth scheme serves 186,000 needy
Around 2,060 young people have participated in planning and organising various community service projects under the 1995-96 Opportunities for Youth Scheme (OYS) which have served some 186,000 needy people all over the territory.
This was stated by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Ian Strachan, when he officiated at the OYS Award Presentation Ceremony and Project Exhibition at the Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre today (Sunday).
Mr Strachan said in the past 21 years, OYS had provided plenty of opportunities for young people to realise their ideals of serving the community, and at the same time, realising their personal and social development.
"In 1995-96, my department has allocated $870,000 to support 131 service projects.
"Through their zealous and dedicated efforts, the participating youths have helped spread the message of a caring community here in Hong Kong," he said.
Noting that 1995 had been a year of special significance to young people because it was the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Youth, Mr Strachan said over the past 10 years, many of the youth volunteers and members had grown up into mature and responsible young adults.
"However we do note the alarming trend of drug abuse among young people and other youth problems associated with the breakdown of marriage and families nowadays.
"Youth workers are well aware of the need to advise their youth groups to provide peer support services to the youth at risk.
"We need to reach out to all young people so that Hong Kong can be a better place in which to live and work," he added.
After the presentation ceremony, a youth involvement programme, comprising talent show, telematch and a quiz, was held to provide the participating youths an opportunity to share their experience in community service.
Also present today were Legislative Councillor Dr Law Chi-kwong and Assistant Director of Social Welfare (Youth and Rehabilitation), Mr Carlos Leung.
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