the equally generous offer by the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind to finance the post of Manager of this factory for 21 years, also the expansion of the Ebenezer School for the Blind with the aid of funds from various sources including the German Federal Republic, where the parent body, the Hildesheim Mission to the Blind, has its headquarters, and another $1 million from the Jockey Club. The accom- modation available here and at the Canossa School for the Blind makes it possible for practically every blind child of primary school age so far on the register to enter a Special School.
The Deaf
70. The number of deaf on the register rose from 1,258 to 1,456 during the year, and another club for deaf children was opened on the roof-top of Block O in Li Cheng Uk Resettlement Estate. This, together with the Clubs at the Tsan Yuk Social Centre and the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre, admitted about 130 deaf children. The Victoria Park School for the Deaf on the Island provided education by the oral method for 40; this school, which will expand progressively as specially trained teachers become available, to cater for 120 pupils, is an important addition to the facilities provided for many years by the Hong Kong School for the Deaf at Diamond Hill in Kowloon. 55 hearing aids were presented or bought with charitable funds during the year; the Lions' Club of Kowloon presented 21 such aids and hopes to continue to finance this useful services, with the help of its associated Clubs overseas. 29 deaf persons were successfully placed in employment, mostly in textile factories.
71. In July, the 79th Kowloon Scout Troop was formed, composed of members of the Wong Tai Sin Club for the Deaf. The cub pack of this new Troop took part in the Golden Jubilee Cub Rally and won the sack relay, while Scouts of the Troop participated in the Hong Kong Boy Scouts' Association Golden Jubilee Jamborette.
The Physically Handicapped
72. The number of physically handicapped on the register rose from 1,620 to 2,020 during the year. At the vocational training centre run in conjunction with the Society for Rehabilitation at Wong Tai Sin, about 30 cripples received training in machine-sewing, sock and glove knitting. At North Point Camp also, vocational training and sheltered employ- ment were provided for some 60 crippled inmates; 49 others were found employment as factory workers.
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