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The Committee on Elder Academy Development Foundation has invited a new round of funding applications from tertiary institutions and school-sponsoring bodies of secondary and primary schools interested in setting up elderly academies, and from organisations interested in organising activities which promote elderly learning and inter-generational harmony.
Applications should reach the Secretariat of the Committee by May 30. School-sponsoring bodies of secondary and primary schools must submit their applications jointly with the collaborating welfare organisations.
Launched by the Elderly Commission and the Labour and Welfare Bureau in 2007, the Elder Academy Scheme aims to promote continuous learning for elderly people as well as to encourage active ageing and inter-generational harmony.
In 2009, the Government allocated $10 million to set up the Elder Academy Development Foundation to ensure the sustainable development of the Elder Academy Scheme.
In assessing applications to set up elderly academies in primary and secondary schools, the Committee will take into account the vision, experience, campus space and facilities (e.g. classrooms, computers and recreation facilities) available on the part of schools, the reach into the elderly network in the community of the collaborating welfare organisations, cost effectiveness of operation, as well as the prospect for sustainable development of the proposed elderly academies.
For applications for provision of elderly academy courses in tertiary institutions, the Committee will consider the course mode and content, activities and the number of places set out in the proposal.
As for the other applications for organising activities which promote elderly learning and inter-generational harmony, the assessment criteria include the quality and effectiveness as well as the viability and sustainability of the proposals, and the relevant experience and capability of the applying organisations.
For an approved elderly academy to be set up in primary or secondary school, the Committee will provide funding of $80,000. As for approved applications on provision of elderly academy courses in tertiary institutions or other applications, the amount of funding provided will depend on the substance of the individual proposal.
In the 2012-13 academic year, there are altogether 110 elder academies in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions throughout the territory, offering a wide range of courses having regard to the interests and demands of the elderly in the local communities.
Details of the funding application arrangements can be downloaded from the website of the Elder Academy Scheme (www.elderacademy.org.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Committee on Elder Academy Development Foundation at 3655 5861.
Ends/Monday, April 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:00
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