ENG-1999 — Page 217

EDUCATION

youth groups and the young people themselves on the study's findings on the influence of the media on youth.

The International Youth Exchange Programme aimed at providing opportunities for young people to visit overseas countries to broaden their horizon and international perspective. In 1999, the commission expanded the programme to enable more young people to participate. In August, two groups comprising 52 youth delegates visited Australia and Japan under the programme. During the year, the commission also received 23 young people from Britain and Singapore on their return visits to Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, it has continued allocating resources under two funding schemes to encourage more youth groups and non-governmental organisations to participate in community-based projects. The funding scheme for sponsoring study tours to the Mainland would enable young people to cultivate a sense of belonging among themselves and to further enhance their understanding of the history and culture of China. On the other hand, the Youth Community Service Funding Scheme would encourage more young people to serve the community through voluntary work. In 1999, the commission sponsored 165 study tours to the Mainland and 237 projects for voluntary work.

To promote the principles and ideals for youth development enshrined in the Charter for Youth and to encourage more youth organisations and individuals to subscribe to the charter, the commission has launched a series of publicity programmes including a television announcement in the public interest and a home page on the Internet - http://www.info.gov.hk/hab/top_issue/charterc.htm.

175