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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, today (June 3) visited Tuen Mun to see the operation of a social enterprise and the district's community support services. At the discussion session held with Tuen Mun District Councillors, she elaborated on the urgency of proceeding with the constitutional reform and share with District Councillors the purpose behind the Government "Act Now" Campaign. She also took the opportunity to distribute "Act Now" publicity materials to members of the public.
Mrs Lau first visited Fantastic Ladies Cafˆm, a social enterprise established by the Hong Kong Free Methodist Church. The cafˆm, funded by the Government's Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Programme, provides training and employment opportunities to women of the district.
Mrs Lau learnt from the cafˆm staff how they benefited from the professional training they received in the cafˆm in equipping themselves for wider employment opportunities in the catering industry and active integration into the community.
"The Government has been supportive of the development of innovative social enterprises which provide a channel for different sectors and organisations, including the business sector, to meet the needs of different community groups," Mrs Lau said.
She was also pleased to note that the cafˆm had won recognition from customers through its good service and succeeded in breaking-even in its business operation before the expiry of funding period, thereby setting a good reference for other social enterprises.
During her visit to the Butterfly Bay Integrated Social Service Centre of the Hong Kong Young Women¡¦s Christian Association, Mrs Lau was briefed on the job training and placement support and social work outreach services provided for local teenagers. Noting that a variety of activities are provided by the centre¡¦s social work outreach services to foster the healthy growth and development of youth, Mrs Lau also encouraged them to help the young people develop their creativity.
Before concluding her visit, Mrs Lau had a tea gathering with the Tuen Mun District Council Chairman, Mr Lau Wong-fat, and other District Councillors to exchange views on a variety of subjects including consumer protection and the constitutional development of Hong Kong. Mrs Lau said the Government would spare no effort in communicating with all sectors of the community to gain the public's and the Legislative Council's support for the constitutional reform package for the 2012 Chief Executive and Legislative Council elections, and called on the District Councillors for support.
Ends/Thursday, June 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:38
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