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The Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, this (February 16) afternoon paid a visit to an after-school care project funded by the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) in Tuen Mun to extend his New Year greetings to children and volunteers under this project.

Mr Tang observed the children making Chinese New Year decorations and listened to their feedback on the project and how it had changed them.  The volunteer workers also shared with Mr Tang the benefits they got from taking care of these children after school.

"I am glad to see for myself this special after-school care project.  It vividly demonstrates that through promoting effective use of community resources and encouraging mutual help, participants from all sides can benefit," Mr Tang said.

This "Extraordinary After-school Care Project" is funded by the CIIF and implemented by the Tuen Mun District Women's Association Ltd.  It also has the support of Tsang Shing D C A Siu Leun School in Tuen Mun and businesses in the neighbourhood which provide venue and resources.

Volunteers working for the project nurture the children in need and give them the love of a "second home" to help the children improve themselves.

"There is an admirably close relationship between the children and volunteer parents and tertiary students.  I can feel the warmth," Mr Tang said.

He noted that many volunteer parents have been able to discover and exercise their potentials better after participating in this project.  Through training and empowerment, they are better equipped in teaching their own children.  They also attained a sense of achievement after helping others to improve themselves.  Many of the volunteer workers were then able to join the work force, and this is a win-win situation for all.

"The Government always supports tripartite co-operation with the community and business sector.  I hope that the establishment of the CIIF and the new Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged can help bring about more mutual-help projects similar to the "Extraordinary After-school Care Project".  They will help contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society and address the concern about the development of our younger generation which the Chief Executive mentioned in his Policy Address this year," Mr Tang added.

Establishment of the $300 million CIIF was announced by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address in 2001.  It aims to encourage mutual support and assistance and promote community participation. The Fund helps people change their perception of the vulnerable groups.  It also helps the disadvantaged discover their own potential and exercise their strengths with the establishment of mutual-help networks.

The "Extraordinary After-school Care Project" received a grant of $300,000 from the CIIF to run for three years.  About 40 primary students are provided with after-school care by volunteer workers, who not only help the children with their homework but also share with them various experience which their families, for various reasons, are unable to provide.

Ends/Wednesday, February 16, 2005

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