ENG-1961 — Page 221

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Social Welfare

THE people of Hong Kong, in all walks of life, have earned a reputation for industry and self-sufficiency. Nowhere are these qualities more strikingly demonstrated than among the less fortunate members of the community who face adversity with cheerful optimism. But in spite of this proud and independent spirit there remains a great need for social work in a variety of forms, and this is being met in this small and overcrowded Colony by an energetic and concentrated programme of relief and rehabilitation. In the field of social welfare, Government and many voluntary organizations are working closely together and making determined efforts, not merely to provide direct material aid to the needy, but also to further the development of con- structive social services such as community activities and youth work. The achievements in many fields over the past year have been considerable, but much more remains to be done.

Although World Refugee Year closed officially during mid- 1960, the impetus it created is still felt and much of the progress made during 1961 can be traced directly to the large sums of money which the international appeal made available. Over $12,000,000 reached Government for use both by voluntary agencies and on Government projects, and large additional sums were contributed to voluntary organizations direct. This magnificent gesture of international generosity had the effect of accelerating, by several years in some cases, the pace of develop- ment. Many voluntary agencies were able to embark on fresh ventures and the Social Welfare Department was able to press ahead with a programme of community development in resettle- ment estates and elsewhere. Following on the opening of the com- munity centre at Wong Tai Sin in 1960, a second centre was opened at Tsuen Wan in June of 1961. Both these centres demonstrate the very close co-operation which exists between the Department and the voluntary organizations, many of which are playing a prominent part in providing the services which are so greatly needed.