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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited North District today (June 1) to see various counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services specially provided for young drug abusers.
In the Hong Kong Lutheran Cheer Lutheran Centre, Mr Tsang talked with Mr Billy Tang, Assistant Executive Director of Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, and centre-in-charge Mr Hezon Tang on the centre¡¦s operation. The centre provides counselling services for psychotropic substance abusers in New Territories East.
Mr Tsang then was briefed by frontline social workers on the drug abuse problem in North District and the implementation of the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po District.
"The concerted effort of the whole community is necessary to foster a healthy and drug-free community," he said.
"Teenagers are facing all kinds of temptations, and the trend and mode of drug abuse are changing. Both service providers and frontline workers should take great care of our youngsters and provide suitable services to help them stay away from drugs," Mr Tsang added.
He also praised social workers at the centre for their enthusiasm in serving the district."With determination and perseverance, I believe, youths can quit drugs and develop a healthy lifestyle through various kinds of counselling and treatment services,"he said.
The Cheer Lutheran Centre is a partner of the North District's Youth Anti-drug Community Programme. A series of community activities have been launched jointly by the centre and the North District Office since last August to encourage youths-at-risk and drug addicts to build up a balanced, positive and healthy life, as well as to quit their bad habits by doing exercise.
Mr Tsang also took the opportunity to visit the band room and dance studio in the centre, two facilities popular among youngsters in the district.
Ends/Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:45
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