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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (April 19) visited a special school and a home for the elderly in Fanling to look at services provided by the Government and voluntary agencies in these areas. He also took the opportunity to exchange views with students and the elderly to learn more about their needs.
The Chief Executive pointed out that the disadvantaged groups were most affected during a period of economic restructuring. The community should provide more support and be more sensitive to their needs, he said.
Mr Tung said that the Government attached importance to both special education and services for the elderly. Government expenditure this year on special education is $1.5 billion, 50 per cent more than that five years ago, while the $3.5 billion expenditure on elderly services this year doubled the amount five years ago.
Mr Tung first went to Buddhist Po Kwong School where he officiated at the opening ceremony of the school's new campus. Po Kwong School, which started operation in 1988, is Government aided and provides primary and secondary education for children of moderate and mild levels of mental handicap.
After the ceremony, Mr Tung toured the campus and stopped at the exhibition room, special education room for autistic children and the arts and crafts workshop. At the arts and crafts workshop, Mr Tung chatted with the students and sampled their works. He received a keyring made by students.
The Chief Executive then visited the Buddhist Po Ching Home for Aged Women. First he went to the physiotherapy room to visit the elderly undergoing treatment. Together with more than a hundred residents, Mr Tung enjoyed a singing performance by talented old ladies at the main hall. Before concluding his visit, he received a fingerprint painting and a photo album as souvenirs.
End/Friday, April 19, 2002
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