TNAG-1419-FCO40-1902-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-Sub-Committee-on-Race-Relations-and--1985 — Page 132

asked these countries

for their views on the basic

skills which would best prepare refugees in the closed

camp s for resettlement.

10.

However, the attitude of the refugees towards

vocational training is again not always encouraging.

Initial enthusiasm is not sustained and even s ome

expensive training courses, such as metal working, have

had to be

to be abandoned. In order to sustain the refugees'

interest, it is envisaged that a balance will have to be

drawn between those types of vocational training which

would best prepare refugees for resettlement, and

training which is based primarily on cottage industries,

orientated toward the manufacture of articles which can

be sold and the proceeds given to the refugees.

11.

vocational

At the Hei Ling Chau centre a purpose-built

training centre is nearing completion, and

will come into operation towards the end of

of the

the year. World Relief will be responsible for organising training

They will devise these

there.

programmes

in

consultation with UNHCR, who have agreed to meet part of

the running costs. World Relief propose to employ

outside staff with previous experience in

training to supervise activities in the centre.

vocational

12.

a

mak e

of refugees

However, the

Some

150

Resettlement countries are reluctant to

commitment regarding the future settlement

with particular vocational qualifications.

Hong Kong Government has information that 50 of the first graduates of a vocational programme in a closed

centre in Malaysia we re accepted for resettlement by

Australia. This has helped to ensure the success of

attempt to develop a

It is hoped to

the se courses.

similar arrangement in Hong Kong.