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"Organisations, schools including kindergartens, and individuals are invited to apply for funds to undertake projects or activities to improve the proficiency in the use of Chinese (including Putonghua) and English languages in Hong Kong," she said.

The fund was set up in May 1994. It is a trust fund held under the Director of Education Incorporation Ordinance with an initial allocation of $300 million.

It's main objective is to support proposal and initiatives which will raise the standards in Chinese (including Putonghua) and English, enhance existing efforts and meet temporary shortfalls in language teaching resources.

In addition, it will encourage research into problem areas and initiations of new approaches.

Projects or activities to be funded should be able to fulfil any one or more of the following objectives:

improving the motivation for language learning;

enhancing the quality of teacher education for language in education;

increasing the supply and quality of textbooks, reference materials and appropriate teaching aids; and

launching innovative projects which maximise proficiency.

Application forms are available for collection from the General Enquiry Office of the Education Department, 15th floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, or by writing to the Language Fund Secretariat, Room 1141, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai.

Further enquiries can be directed to the Language Fund Secretariat on 2892 5772 and 2892 6642 or by fax on 2574 0340.

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