XN000022-1973-07-06 — Page 15

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Friday, July 6, 1973

MESSAGE FOR SUMMER YOUTH ORGANISERS

Encourage young people, support their quest for knowledge and give

them all the understanding you can.

This was the message Mr. Thomas C.Y. Lee, Deputy Director of Social

Welfare had today for organisers of summer youth activities when he spoke

at the opening of the Yuen Long district's programme.

"The youth of today would not merely be satisfied with taking part

in recreational activities. They have vitality, high ideals, enthusiasm and

are eager to work.

That they want is new knowledge, new experiences, understanding

of the society in which they live and the society's concern for them.

"What they lack is experience and they need the community's support

and encouragement in this respect," Mr. Lee said.

He recalled that there are 15 youth recreation co-ordinating committees

in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

Mr. Lee said he was aware there was a large number of young people

in Yuen Long district and said they had the same needs as young people elsewhere

in Hong Kong.

Speaking of his department's involvement, he said the Social Welfare

Department conducts various activities directly through its 20 odd working

units in various districts. It also helps voluntary youth work agencies to

conduct summer programmes by providing financial assistance, counselling.

co-ordinating work and training of volunteers.

Note to Editors:

Copies of the full text of Mr. Lee's speech in Chinese are boxed this evening.

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