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Funding applications for elder academies invited
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     The Committee on Elder Academy Development Foundation is inviting a new round of funding applications from tertiary institutions and school-sponsoring bodies of secondary and primary schools interested in setting up elder 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 October 31. School-sponsoring bodies of secondary and primary schools must submit their applications jointly with the collaborating welfare organisations.

     Launched by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Elderly Commission in 2007, the Elder Academy Scheme aims to promote continuous learning for elderly people, 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 the applications on setting up elder 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 of the elderly network in the community of the collaborating welfare organisations and the cost-effectiveness of operation, as well as the prospects for sustainable development of the proposed elder academies.

     For applications for provision of elder 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 elder academy to be set up in a primary or secondary school, the Committee will provide funding of $80,000. As for approved applications on provision of elder academy courses in tertiary institutions or other applications, the amount of funding provided will depend on the substance of the individual proposal.

     In the 2013/14 academic year, there are altogether 108 elder academies in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions throughout the territory, offering a wide range of courses having regard to the interests and demand 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, September 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:00

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