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The Child Development Fund (CDF) projects' kick-off cum certificate presentation ceremony was held today (May 17) to give support to participants and mentors of the fourth batch projects and school-based pilots and to commend participants, mentors and supporting organisations of the second batch projects as well as the CDF's strategic partners.
Officiating at the ceremony, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said that since its establishment in 2008, the $300 million CDF had helped underprivileged children grow by providing them with guidance, widening their horizons and exposure, and encouraging them to plan for their future.
The 40 CDF projects in the first three batches have benefitted more than 4 000 underprivileged children. "This year, we are rolling out the fourth batch of 21 projects operated by non-governmental organisations as well as seven school-based pilots. Altogether, there are over 2 000 children and more than 1 900 mentors participating in these projects," Mr Cheung said.
A total of more than 6 000 underprivileged children have benefitted from CDF projects so far, under the guidance of more than 5 000 mentors.
Each CDF project lasts for three years. All 15 projects in the second batch were completed last year. At today's ceremony, Mr Cheung presented awards to some 40 outstanding mentors in the second batch projects in recognition of their commitment and dedication. He commended the volunteer mentors for being the beacon of the next generation by providing individual guidance and sharing their own experience of personal growth. He said he believed that the more than 1 400 participants in the second batch projects had been better equipped to face future challenges with a positive attitude.
"To ensure the sustainable development of the CDF, the Government has earmarked an additional $300 million in the 2014-15 financial year to support the launch of new projects," Mr Cheung said.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Chairman of the Steering Committee on CDF, Miss Annie Tam; Assistant Director of Social Welfare (Youth and Corrections) and Official Member of the Steering Committee on CDF, Mr Peter Ng; as well as members of the Steering Committee on CDF.
They presented certificates to representatives of the second batch participants and presented trophies to pay tribute to the relevant supporting organisations and strategic partners of the CDF.
Ends/Saturday, May 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:47
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