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SOCIAL WELFARE

A number of government departments and voluntary organisations contribute towards the community building programme which is co-ordinated by the Community Building Policy Committee. The City and New Territories Administration and the Social Welfare Department are the two departments principally responsible for the implementation of this programme. The City and New Territories Administration, through its network of district offices, is primarily concerned with promoting mutual care and community spirit through local organisations such as area committees, mutual aid committees, rural committees, kaifong welfare associations, women's organisations and local arts and sports associations. The Social Welfare Department is responsible for various aspects of group and community work aimed at promoting the development of individuals and groups and at fostering a sense of community responsibility. Community centres, run by the City and New Territories Administration, are provided throughout the territory to serve as a base for community building work.

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Central Committee on Youth

Having regard to the rapid expansion of youth activities in recent years and following the celebration of the 1985 International Youth Year, a Central Committee on Youth was set up by the government in May 1986. The objective of the committee is, among other things, to identify the needs and aspiration of young people in Hong Kong, to liaise with, and assist organisations concerned to promote youth development and to enhance youth participa- tion in community affairs, and to examine the need for a comprehensive youth policy.

The committee has now prepared a draft report recommending the institution of a youth policy. The draft report also proposes the setting up of a standing committee to oversee the implementation of the policy, to review and to recommend changes to it in the light of changing circumstances. When finalised, the report will be submitted to the government for consideration.

During the year, three surveys on youth matters were conducted, and a conference was organised.

Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education

In response to the need to promote civic education in Hong Kong, the government set up in 1986 the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education. The committee provides a focus for the promotion of civic education outside the school system while the Education Department continues to be responsible for civic education within schools. It advises the government and community organisations on the objectives and scope of civic education and promotes community participation in civic education activities. As part of its efforts to encourage community participation in the promotion of civic education, the committee provided community organisations with financial assistance for implementing broad-based civic education projects. During the year, the committee sponsored 23 projects involving the allocation of $500,000.

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