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At the third meeting of the Commission on Poverty, members noted that 10 unofficial members had indicated interest in joining the Task Force on Children and endorsed the naming of Dr Philemon Choi as its chairman.  The task force held its first meeting this afternoon (May 26).

The task force has been formed to assist the commission in formulating policy recommendations to reduce risks of intergenerational poverty.  It will also consider how to improve the interface and co-ordination of services to children and youth, and promote social capital in support of the healthy and balanced development of the younger generation.  The task force will engage other relevant advisory and non-governmental bodies in pursuing the above objectives.

Commission members also agreed that the task force should consider ways to enhance the effectiveness and interface of existing work programmes and ensure that the needs of youth, in particular those who are unemployed and are not pursuing further studies, are adequately catered for.

Financial Secretary and commission chairman Mr Henry Tang said it was encouraging to note that the relevant government bureaux and departments had been focussing on programmes and measures to help children and youth, in particular those from disadvantaged background.

"I am looking forward to more cross-sector, interdisciplinary co-operation and new initiatives in this regard," Mr Tang said.

At today's meeting, commission members reviewed their observations and experience gained through two district visits to Kwun Tong and Sham Shui Po during the past month.  

Members reaffirmed the district-based approach in alleviating poverty.  They noted that in addition to facilitating identification of key challenges in a district and focussing resources and actions to address the challenges, a district-based approach also played a key role in building social capital, which was key to sustainable poverty alleviation efforts, and developing a more inclusive and caring community.  

Members also recognised that building social capital would require the practice of the concept of shared responsibilities of government, community, private sector and individuals.  

Members were pleased to note there were a wide range of follow-up actions in Tin Shui Wai, Kwun Tong and Sham Shui Po in response to district needs identified under the district-based approach.  These actions range from tutoring and mentorship schemes for children and youth to direct services for the elderly and unemployed.  Efforts at district level to facilitate cross-sector partnership were also noted and members considered it important to involve the private sector and neighbourhood networks in sharing the cause and forming sustainable partnerships.

The meeting decided to support early implementation of poverty alleviation related projects in the above three districts as they were comparatively more deprived.  Members would help mobilise resources to support these projects, where necessary.  They also agreed to develop a communication plan to share with the public the beliefs and work programmes of the commission to promote the concept of self-reliance and mutual help.

The agenda and papers of the meeting are available at the web site of the commission: www.cop.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, May 26, 2005

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