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A support service centre for ethnic minorities (EMs) in Kwai Tsing District was officially opened today (June 27). The centre is named the LINK Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities (LINK Centre) and is operated by the Hong Kong Community Network (HKCN) through an open and competitive process.
With the establishment of the LINK Centre, the Home Affairs Department now provides funding grants for a total of six centres and two sub-centres, delivering a series of support services for EMs across the territory with a view to facilitating their integration into the community.
The officiating guests at the opening ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Betty Fung, and the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the HKCN, Mr Suen Kwok-lam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Fung said, "Hong Kong is an international city proudly marked by racial inclusion and harmony. In the 2014 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that the Government would launch a series of initiatives to strengthen support for EMs. One of them is to set up a support service centre for EMs in Kwai Tsing District."
She added that the services of the LINK Centre have been well received by EMs and the local communities and feedback from the service users has been positive since it commenced operation last October. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the HKCN for their dedicated efforts in serving the EMs.
After seeing the operation and provision of services of the LINK Centre, Mrs Fung exchanged views with the EM staff and children. She also enjoyed singing and dancing performances staged by the children.
Situated on the ground floor of Cheong Nin Building, 1013 Kwai Chung Road, Kwai Chung, the LINK Centre is equipped with activity rooms, classrooms, a youth activity room, and a learning and entertainment corner/library. It provides supporting services including Cantonese and English language classes, tutorial classes, dedicated programmes for EM youths, computer classes, visit programmes, interest classes, counselling and social activities. Over 3 000 persons have used the services of the centre so far.
The LINK Centre has also rolled out the "Project Go Front" for EM youths in collaboration with the Kwai Tsing Police District. Some 20 EM youths seeking to become police officers have been recruited and are receiving a comprehensive training programme comprising physical fitness, leadership, site visits, interview technique and Chinese language.
Ends/Saturday, June 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:29
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