CS visits Sham Shui Po (with photos/video)

CS visits Sham Shui Po (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, today (February 10) visited a secondary school and a non-governmental organisation in Sham Shui Po to gain a better understanding of the situation of new arrivals from the Mainland.

     Mr Tang first went to CMA Secondary School where he toured around the school facilities and watched students taking part in after-school activities.  He also met with teachers, school social worker and students to learn about the living and learning needs of students who were new arrivals or were from low-income families, in particular the assistance required for them to participate in extra-curricular activities and to broaden their horizons.  He encouraged the students to stay positive when facing challenges and to actively participate in community activities.

     Mr Tang was also pleased to meet again a few students whom he met late last year at the CMA Secondary School booth of the HK Brands and Products Expo.

     Mr Tang then turned to the International Social Service (Hong Kong Branch) Integrated Family Service Centre (ISS) which focuses on serving new arrivals from the Mainland.  The Centre provides adaption programmes and volunteer training services to help new arrivals quickly integrate into the local community.

     At the Centre, Mr Tang spent some time with young people, volunteers, women and children who were engaged in the Centre's activities.  He talked to them about how they adapted to local life and overcame the difficulties.

     Mr Tang also discussed with staff of ISS to hear of their experiences in serving new arrivals.  Noting that starting from April 1, eligible Mainland "overage children" of Hong Kong residents may apply for One Way Permits to come to Hong Kong in phases for reunion with their parents, Mr Tang said that relevant government agencies were making preparations for the new arrangement.  He called on ISS to support these new arrivals through their service network.  He also invited ISS to track and study the special needs and requests of this group of new arrivals and provide timely feedback to the Government.

Ends/Thursday, February 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:39

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