ENG-1998 — Page 216

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EDUCATION

summer of 1998, two groups comprising 23 young people visited Britain and Singapore under the programme. A community participation scheme for sponsoring study tours for youths to the Mainland was also introduced. It aimed at cultivating a sense of belonging in young people and enhancing their understanding of China. Around 4 000 young people benefited under the scheme during the year.

In late 1998, the commission also launched a Youth Community Service Funding Scheme. This will assist community organisations and voluntary agencies in organising activities to encourage young school leavers to serve the community through voluntary work.