XN000022-1973-05-04 — Page 9

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Friday, May 4, 1973

YOUTH AN ASSET TO THE COMMUNITY

The Deputy Director of Social Welfare today urged a greater

understanding of youth in Hong Kong.

Mr. Thomas C.I. Lee said it was unfortunate that people very

often regarded youth as a problem and took a pessimistic viewpoint when

talking about young people.

He was addressing the Union of Confucian Societies on the occasion

of Mencius' birthday.

He said that when people talk about the generation gap they usually

put the blame on youth, without realising that parents also have to make

efforts to understand their children.

It should be realised that youth is a great asset to the community

and should be looked upon as such. Their contributions to society should

not be overlooked, he said.

Mr. Lee also went on to explain the services provided by his

Department for young people, and said that these would be further expanded

later this year when the department implements the community and youth

officer scheme.

Note to Editors:

Copies of Mr. Lee's speech (in Chinese only) are distributed separately in the G.I.S. Press boxes this evening.

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