XN000022-1997-02-19 — Page 13

12 -

"Suitable provisions are made to ensure that existing beneficiaries will continue to draw pensions and allowances at no less favourable level," he said, adding that the rates of payment would be adjusted in future in line with local inflation rate and the civil service pension increase.

The Legislative Council Panel on Welfare Services, the Social Welfare Advisory Committee and the Chairman of relevant veteran associations have been consulted and they are all in support of the proposals.

The Volunteer and Naval Volunteer Pensions (Amendment) Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on March 5.

End

Schools invited to join the Character Achievement Scheme

All kindergartens, primary and secondary schools are invited to participate in the Character Achievement Scheme 1997 jointly organised by the Education Department, the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong and the Cable Children Channel.

The aim of this award scheme is to encourage schools to promote moral education with best endeavours; to enhance the spirit of love and the sense of responsibility of pupils upon themselves and on other people; and to encourage them to develop a positive attitude towards life so that they may find their own contribution towards society.

Participating schools can directly recommend one pupil as the prize winner of the school or select one pupil out of many nominees within the school and make a final recommendation.

The pupil recommended should have outstanding performance or distinctive progress in conduct.

The nominator can be the principal, teacher, parent or schoolmate of the nomince. Reasons for recommendation should be given by the school.

Nominees from secondary and primary schools will be invited to attend a prize presentation ceremony jointly organised by the Education Department and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong on April 29 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.