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Education

services to ethnic minorities, and on proposals for race related public education and publicity. Secretariat support is provided by the Home Affairs Department's (HAD) Race Relations Unit.

Support Services for Ethnic Minorities

Since 2009, the Government has commissioned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to run four support service centres for ethnic minorities to help them integrate into the community. In December 2012, the HAD set up an additional support service centre and two sub-centres to enhance the support services. These centres provide various tailor-made learning classes, counselling and integration programmes. One of the centres also provides a free language interpretation service on the telephone to assist ethnic minorities in their use of public services. The HAD also sponsors two community support teams to provide special services for the ethnic minority groups through members of their own communities. In addition, it funds radio programmes and publishes service guidebooks in a number of ethnic minority languages, implements the Harmony Scholarship Scheme recognising students' performance in school and community services (particularly activities promoting racial harmony) and provides other support services to meet the needs of ethnic minorities.

In 2011, the HAD set up a dedicated team to step up efforts to facilitate the early integration of ethnic minorities into the community and the HAD uses its district networks, including District Offices and the services of NGOs and local organisations, to advance the cause. Various initiatives have been put in place, including the District-based Integration Programmes to help ethnic minorities better understand the districts they live in and facilitate their participation in community activities through adaptation courses, mutual help networks and visits, etc. In addition, the 'Ambassador Scheme' arranges for persons with similar backgrounds and experiences to proactively reach out to ethnic minorities, and makes referrals to government departments where necessary.

Websites

Education Bureau: www.edb.gov.hk

Home Affairs Bureau: www.hab.gov.hk

Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau: www.cmab.gov.hk

Home Affairs Department: www.had.gov.hk

Race Relations Unit: www.had.gov.hk/rru/

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