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Saturday, April 10, 1976.

200,000 BENEFIT FROM YOUTH SCHEME

Nearly 200,000 people have benefited from the Social Welfare Department's

"Opportunities for Youth" Scheme, since it was introduced at the end of 1974.

This was stated by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee,

today when he opened an Exhibition on the scheme at the Main Concourse of

the Ocean Terminal.

Mr. Lee noted that so far financial aids had been allocated to 149

projects in which more than 5,000 young volunteers were involved.

"The expenses required for the running of these projects amounted to

some $180,000 which were met by a grant of $50,000 from the Special Fund, $40,000 from the Sir Robert Hotung Charitable Fund and $90,000 from the

Government."

The "Opportunity for Youth" Scheme, is an innovative youth project

launched by the Social Welfare Department through its Group and Community

Division. The Director said that the main objective of the Scheme was to

promote social consciousness in young people, instil a sense of civic responsibility in them, and to encourage them to take part in community services. "Through this Scheme, young people can apply their skills and

knowledge to make plans for, and participate in, activities that are of benefit

to the community.

"Moreover, it is through actual participation that young people will

find their role in the community and appreciate the various social problems."

In the Exhibition, 38 projects are displayed, including programmes

for the handicapped, projects for the elderly, recreational activities for the

children and services for rural people.

Mr. Lee said that the theme of the Exhibition was to show members of

the public the va.ious community service projects initiated and promoted by the

young people,

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