ENG-2001 — Page 254

SOCIAL WELFARE

198

and delivering services. A Joint Committee on IT for the Social Welfare Sector (with the Director of Social Welfare as chairperson) was formed in May to oversee implementation of the IT strategy. In 2001, a total of $152 million from the Lotteries Fund was allocated for implementing IT initiatives, including the provision of broadband Internet access to 95 per cent of NGOs service units by 2002-03.

In line with the E-government strategy, the SWD has made significant progress in IT development with the full implementation of the Computerised Social Security System which supports comprehensively the processing of social security benefits and generating of management information for policy analysis and review.

Community Building and Promoting Mutual Care

Several government departments and NGOs contribute towards the community- building programme which serves to foster among the people of Hong Kong a sense of belonging, mutual care and civic responsibility.

Community-building efforts involve providing purpose-built facilities for group and community activities, the formation of citizens' organisations, encouraging community participation in the administration of public affairs, solving community problems and improving the quality of community life in general. The Home Affairs Bureau has policy responsibility for the programme and the Home Affairs Department and the SWD are principally responsible for its implementation. The Home Affairs Department, through its network of district offices, is primarily concerned with encouraging participation in community service and promoting mutual care and community spirit through local organisations such as area committees, mutual aid committees, rural committees, charitable organisations, social service groups, kaifong associations and women's organisations.

The SWD and NGOs, through the provision of group and community work activities, promote social relationships and cohesion within the community and encourage individuals to solve community problems.

Community Investment and Inclusion Fund

Further to the efforts mentioned above, in his 2001 Policy Address the Chief Executive announced a plan to provide an initial $300 million grant to establish a Community Investment and Inclusion Fund to encourage mutual concern and aid among people, and to promote community participation in district and cross-sector programmes. Through a bottom-up approach of supporting self-initiated projects by the community, the fund will promote the building up of social capital, by supporting individuals and families more effectively, enhancing the functioning and development of different communities, facilitating cross-sectoral co-operation, social networking and community participation, and promoting social cohesion and inclusion.

Women's Commission

The Women's Commission was set up on January 15, 2001 as a central mechanism to promote the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong. It is tasked to identify all women's needs and address matters of concern to women in a holistic and systematic manner. It will also develop a long-term vision and strategy for the development and advancement of women in Hong Kong. The Women's Commission takes a strategic overview over women's issues, advises the Government on policies