XN000022-1996-04-15 — Page 7

6

Four language projects awarded funding

The Director of Education and Trustee of the Language Fund, Mrs Helen C P Lai Yu, today (Monday) approved funds totalling $1.93 million for four language improvement projects in the second round of the Fund's third allocation exercise.

The projects were recommended by the Language Fund Advisory Committee after careful scrutiny of 11 applications.

The four successful projects aim at improving the language proficiency of students and members of the public. One is a Chinese language project. two English language projects and one cross language project.

One of the projects is for the development of computer software in Cantonese to enhance language learning ability and communication skills for those with communication difficulties or with physical and mental handicap.

"The four projects combine research, reading programmes and computer software development. They should help raise language proficiency and improve motivation for language learning at the school/community level," Mrs Yu said.

Seven applications in this round of the allocation exercise did not receive support from the Language Fund Advisory Committee mainly because their objectives were not compatible with the aim of the Language Fund, the effectiveness of the project was in doubt, cost effectiveness was low or the project duplicated carlier or existing efforts.

The projects supported by the Language Fund now total 74, amounting to $97.08 million.

"We welcome fresh ideas and proposals." Mrs Yu said.

"All applications to the Language Fund are assessed by the Language Fund Advisory Committee on the same criteria: the feasibility, relevance, urgency, direct benefits and the duration of the project, the number of people who benefit from it and its cost-effectiveness.

"In addition, the committee also considers the track record of the personnel involved in the project as well as the provision for evaluation and financial accountability.