XN000022-1980-09-14 — Page 7

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1980

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR FUNDS TO FINANCE

YOUTH COMMUNITY PROJECTS

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THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS SO FAR THIS YEAR ALLOCATED OVER $123 500 UNDER ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME TO FINANCE 72 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS INITIATED BY YOUTH GROUPS.

THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING THE SECOND ROUND OF APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS UNDER THE SCHEME FOR THE CURRENT YEAR. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THE APPLICATIONS IS OCTOBER 12.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1974 TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO INITIATE AND IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN PROJECTS.

HE SAID 92 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED IN THE FIRST ROUND THIS YEAR AND 72 WERE SUCCESSFUL.

THE APPROVED PROJECTS COVERED COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, YOUNG CHILDREN, AS WELL AS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT PROJECTS SUBMITTED WERE ASSESSED FOR THEIR YOUTH INVOLVEMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, INNOVATION, FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES.

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THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH PROJECT IS $2 500, HE SAID, AND PROJECTS ARE CARRIED OUT UNDER CLOSE WORKING LIAISON WITH THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN TO ANY GROUP OF AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25 YEARS, AND SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION.

GROUPS WHICH ARE NOT SO SPONSORED MAY ALSO APPLY PROVIDED THEY HAVE OBTAINED THE APPROVAL OF THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS.

APPLICATIONS FOR AND ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE AT THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.

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