Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Service Corps delegates commended by FS (with photos)
*****************************************************

     The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, today (December 19) presented certificates of completion of service to nine delegates of Phase II of the Service Corps programme to commend their outstanding performance in providing volunteer teaching assistance in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province.

     The Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui, also attended the certificate presentation ceremony. She said, "The delegates' performance was highly appreciated by various organisations in Shaoguan. They were willing to put aside their life, career, family and friends in Hong Kong and stayed in a basic environment to serve the schools and teach the students. Their voluntary service not only helped widen their horizons and enrich their experience, but also set a good example for the young people in Hong Kong. I hope that Hong Kong people can likewise show their caring spirit by taking action to support those in need in the community."

     Ms Hui said she was deeply touched by the enthusiasm of the delegates during her visit to Shaoguan in April this year. She also attended a sharing session to listen to the delegates' experiences after their service was completed. She believed the volunteers had gained valuable experience and unforgettable memories during their service, and hoped this would be a source of motivation for them in their study, work and personal growth in the future.

     She also 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 and the Shaoguan Municipal People's Government for their assistance and support in providing teaching placements at four secondary and primary schools in Shaoguan City, which contributed to the successful implementation of Phase II of the Service Corps programme.

     Families and friends of the nine delegates also attended today ceremony to show their support. Representatives of the Shaoguan Municipal People's Government, teachers and students also came to Hong Kong for a visit and exchange and to attend the ceremony.

     The Chief Executive announced in the 2010-11 Policy Address the establishment of the Service Corps to provide financial support for youths aged between 18 and 29 to serve in underprivileged areas on the Mainland for six to 12 months. With an aim to develop young people's tenacity and potential, the Service Corps programme encourages young Hong Kong people to serve others and contribute to their mother country, with a view to enhancing their understanding of the motherland and promoting the spirit of volunteerism.

     The nine members of Phase II of the Service Corps programme were sent to four schools in Shaoguan, namely Longgui Secondary School, Longgui Primary School, Lishi Town Centre Primary School and Huaping Experimental School to provide teaching assistance to pre-school, primary and junior secondary students in various subjects and organise extra-curricular activities from February to July 2012.

     Phase III of the Service Corps programme was launched in September this year. The promotion work of the programme is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2013. For more details, please visit the programme's dedicated website at www.servicecorps.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:03

NNNN

Photo Photo Photo Photo
Print this page