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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, today (October 31) visited the first batch of youth volunteers who joined the Service Corps Programme to provide teaching support in Shaoguan City in Guangdong Province.
Following his arrival in Shaoguan this afternoon, Mr Tsang visited the Hong Kong youth volunteers serving at Longgui Secondary School and Longgui Primary School in Wujiang District to learn about their living and service situation. He was pleased to find that since their arrival in Shaoguan this September, the volunteers have adapted to the local environment and are actively engaging in their teaching duties.
The first batch of Hong Kong youth volunteers mainly provide teaching support services in subjects including English, sports, music, arts, geography, science and computing, and assist in organising extra-curricular activities.
The Chief Executive announced the setting up of a Service Corps in his Policy Address last year. Implemented by the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB), the programme is aimed at promoting youth development and volunteerism. Fifteen youth volunteers selected in the first batch of the programme were sent to four schools in Shaoguan in September this year. The programme lasts for about six months.
"Under the programme, members have to serve in underprivileged areas in the Mainland for a relatively long period of time. They therefore have to put aside their work or studies, and leave their families and friends in Hong Kong. It is encouraging to see that all members have served with dedication and without any grievance about serving in remote areas," Mr Tsang added.
Apart from the classrooms, Mr Tsang also visited the quarters where the youth volunteers stay. He was glad to learn that all members have already adapted to the local life, and get along well with teachers, students and the local community.
"The programme not only brings students warmth and care, but also helps broaden their knowledge. For the young participants from Hong Kong, the programme provides them with a valuable opportunity to develop their tenacity, increase their understanding of the motherland and cultivate a caring spirit," Mr Tsang said.
He thanked the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Guangdong Provincial People's Government, Shaoguan Municipal People's Government, and relevant units for their support in job placement, accommodation and management matters, which have contributed to the successful launch of the first phase of the programme.
He encouraged the young participants to adopt a positive attitude towards difficulties and challenges in their daily life and work, and to treasure the opportunity to learn from the service.
The Service Corps Programme (Phase I) consists of three components comprising pre-departure training, field service and follow-up activities, to allow participants to gain more exposure and experience. The HAB provides support for the volunteers, such as arranging on-campus accommodation and financial support including a basic living allowance of about RMB3,000 per month.
The HAB has also engaged experienced counsellors to support the volunteers. Those who complete the service with a satisfactory performance will be granted a certificate and an award.
Mr Tsang will visit the other two schools under the programme tomorrow, namely Lishi Town Centre Primary School and Huaping Experimental School, and will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.
Ends/Monday, October 31, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:38
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