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    The Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, and members of the Commission on Poverty visited Tin Shui Wai this afternoon (March 7).  

    Accompanied by the District Officer (Yuen Long), Mr James Chan, Mr Tang and members of the Commission visited the Tin Shui Community Centre in Tin Shui Estate. The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow; and the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, also took part in the visit.

    Mr Tang and members of the Commission were first briefed on the Intensive Employment Assistance Projects (IEAP) organised by the YWCA Tin Shui Wai Integrated Social Service Centre.  A group of participants in the projects, including Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients and other low-income families, shared with the visitors the challenges they faced and their experience in participating in the IEAP projects.

    Mr Tang was impressed by the encouraging results of the IEAP projects in motivating the participants and equipping them with relevant employment-related skills. "I am happy to know that about half of the participants have been able to secure full-time employment within one year," he said. "This shows that by mobilising resources in the community and promoting public-private sector partnership, communities can identify solutions to address the unique challenges faced by their own members."

    The visiting delegation later joined an open forum with about 30 district personalities, including District Councillors, Area Committees members, representatives of community organisations, social workers and school headmasters from Yuen Long.  

    Members of the Commission listened to the observations of the Tin Shui Wai community on the special needs and challenges faced by its residents.  Members also exchanged views with the community representatives on how these challenges could be overcome and what types of additional assistance would be required to ensure its success.  

    This is the first district visit of the Commission after members agreed, at their first meeting on February 18, to adopt a district-based approach to study, identify and address the special needs and challenges of different areas in Hong Kong.  

    The Commission will mobilise social capital, both financial and non-monetary, in the district, encourage community engagement and foster public-private partnership in alleviating poverty. For territory-wide issues and those involving inter-bureau coordination, the Commission will review the existing policies and services and make recommendations to prevent and alleviate poverty, and promote self-reliance.

Ends/Monday, March 7, 2005

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