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The Commission on Poverty, chaired by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, held its fourth meeting this afternoon (June 28).  The main topic for discussion at today's meeting was promotion of self-reliance to able-bodied welfare recipients.

Members took note of the growth in Hong Kong's welfare payments as well as our progressively ageing population and workforce.  Noting the myriad of training, employment and other assistance programmes now in place and the experiences overseas, Members agreed that the existing assistance and services for the able-bodied should be reviewed holistically to ensure that relevant policies and agencies are well integrated and coordinated to facilitate welfare recipients to be engaged in meaningful employment.  

In particular, Members noted the need for employment assistance to take into account development trends in specific industries. They also endorsed a district-based approach capitalising on neighborhood networks in identifying community-based employment opportunities.  

"I am pleased to see there is a consensus within the commission on the need for a holistic review.  'From Welfare to Self Reliance' is important because it can greatly help the able-bodied and their next generation to get out of poverty," Mr Tang said.

Members noted that discussions on a number of initiatives were ongoing.  Projects relevant to nurturing of social capital include a mentorship scheme participated by all eight institutes of the University Grant Committee, the Vocational Training Council and the secondary and primary school sectors; as well as the collection and publication of successful cases of self-reliance.  

Members also noted the progress made in taking forward the district-based approach to poverty alleviation endorsed at earlier meetings. These include the formation of district forums to dialogue on poverty alleviation.  In this connection, Members were pleased to note the successful Roundtable discussion held in Kwun Tong last Saturday.  Members also noted that discussions were ongoing with a view to launching a few pilots to explore a district-based approach to job creation and the possible opening up of some schools for community use in areas deficient in community facilities.

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

Ends/Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Issued at HKT 21:27

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