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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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