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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited Sha Tin this afternoon (March 20) to exchange views with young people and learn about the implementation of youth programmes in the district.
He encouraged young people to actively participate in district affairs, thus contributing to community building.
Accompanied by the Sha Tin District Officer, Mrs Do Pang Wai-yee, Mr Tsang met with members of the Sha Tin Youth Service Corps in Pok Hong Community Hall, together with the Sha Tin District Youth Programme Committee Chairman, Mr Eric Yiu Ka-chun, and the Youth Corps' consultant, Mr Yeung Man-yui.
With about 100 current members, the Youth Corps was formed by the Sha Tin District Office last April. It aims to boost members' confidence and sense of belonging to society through different kinds of training and activities, including leadership and volunteer training as well as various services.
Mr Tsang said he hoped the Youth Corps could pool youngsters together to serve the community as well as provide a platform for the younger generation to express views on different social issues.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development. In 2012-13, the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) and the Home Affairs Department will continue to encourage youth groups and organisations to organise youth development activities through funding support. The Commission on Youth will also launch activities to foster young people's sense of belonging to society and provide more opportunities for them to participate in community affairs," Mr Tsang said.
Mr Tsang also paid a visit to Che Kung Temple this afternoon and was briefed by HAB's Chinese Temples Committee on the temple's renovation work and operation. He also took the opportunity to see the horse-shaped statue erected by Sha Tin District Council at the roundabout of Che Kung Miu Road. The statute, entitled "Acclaim", was designed by a local sculptor.
During his visit to the district, Mr Tsang also officiated at the opening ceremony of the new office of the Hong Kong New Territories Commercial and Industrial General Association on Au Pui Wan Street, Fo Tan.
Ends/Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:55
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