ENG-1967 — Page 193

142

SOCIAL WELFARE

to support welfare programmes, while large sums continue to be made available through international agencies for a wide variety of social work. Collaboration between the department and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service during the year included continued work on the production of a five-year plan for develop- ment of social welfare services which is now virtually complete.

Much of any new development will continue to be in new housing areas, and an important aid to this was a decision in principle to construct welfare buildings in new resettlement estates at the rate of one building to 50,000 people. This new type of construction— similar to the annex buildings developed for schooling-will replace ground floor and rooftop accommodation previously available in scattered locations, and will afford opportunities for better co- ordination and more effective service. Much of the space will be available for voluntary agencies; the Social Welfare Department will set up an intake service in each building and will act as co- ordinator, and provide financial assistance where appropriate.

YOUTH WELFARE

Much attention was focussed during the year on youth activities organized by the Social Welfare Department and voluntary organiza- tions and on the need for further development. Regular programmes are provided through the youth and children's divisions of the Community and Social Centres managed by the Social Welfare Department as well as through a wide range of voluntary agencies including the Federation of 'Youth Groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Boys and Girls Clubs Association, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, YMCA and many others. Many of these programmes aim to provide opportunities for young people to test their capabilities and their character in constructive and healthy recreation and service. There is a growing awareness of the opportunities that the country- side and the open air offer. Every summer in recent years it has been customary for the department and for many voluntary agencies to promote special programmes for holiday periods. In 1967 these programmes were more extensive than ever before, and it is estimated that more than 250,000 children and young people took part in activities that included work camps, expeditions, canoeing, outings and hobby groups. Several hundred teenagers undertook short