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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (April 22) visited Hong Kong Service Corps delegates who are providing teaching support in Shaoguan.
Mr Lau visited Huaping Experimental School and Lishi Town Centre Primary School and met with four delegates from the second semester of Phase VI of the Service Corps programme serving in the schools. He also viewed their quarters, attended some of their lessons and had lunch with them to learn more about their daily life and voluntary work.
Mr Lau said he was pleased that the four delegates have adapted to their service work and life in Shaoguan after being there for more than two months. He commended them on their spirit to serve and urged them to face any challenges at work and in their daily lives with a positive attitude, and to treasure this opportunity to learn from their service.
He said, "I understand that all of the delegates are committed to their work as volunteer teachers and in organising extra-curricular activities for the students. All the experiences of being volunteer teachers and the challenges in daily life, including adapting to the different climate, the simple living environment and communications with others, will impart sound training and become a driving force in their growth in the future."
Mr Lau also met with the Mayor of the People's Government of Shaoguan, Mr Luo Weifeng. Mr Luo expressed gratitude to the delegates for their teaching assistance in Shaoguan. He also commended them on their enthusiasm to serve. Mr Lau said he believes the four delegates have greatly benefited from the service as they have had support from governmental organisations of various cities, thus enabling them to integrate themselves into local life.
Established in 2011, the Service Corps programme aims to promote youth development and volunteerism. The programme has been extended to Phase VI and has recruited over 100 young people, including working youths, secondary school and university graduates and tertiary students, to the Mainland for voluntary service.
Mr Lau 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, the Shaoguan and Meizhou Municipal People's Governments, the relevant units and the schools for their support and care, which has enabled the delegates to take part proactively in voluntary work in Shaoguan and Meizhou.
Mr Lau has concluded his visit and will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Ends/Friday, April 22, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:15
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