TNAG-1419-FCO40-1902-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-Sub-Committee-on-Race-Relations-and--1985 — Page 156

asked these

countries

for their views on the basic

skills which would best prepare refugees in the closed

camp for resettlement.

10.

However, the

s ome

attitude of the refugees towards vocational training

i s aga in not always encouraging. Initial enthusiasm is not sustained and even expensive training courses, such as metal working, have had to be abandoned. In order to

to sustain the refugees' interest, i t 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 He i Ling Chau centre а purpose-built training centre is nearing completion, and will come into operation towards the end of 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 vocational training to supervise activities in the centre.

12.

a

Resettlement countries are reluctant to mak e

commitment regarding the future settlement of refugees with particular vocational qualifications. However, the

Some

Hong Kong Government has information that 50

150 of the first graduates of a vocational programme in a closed centre in Malaysia were accepted for resettlement

Australia. This has helped to ensure the succes S

attempt to develop

these courses.

It is hoped to similar arrangement in Hong Kong.

by

of