Service Corps delegates commended by Acting FS (with photos)
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Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, said that he felt a stronger connection to the programme this year as he visited Shaoguan in April to learn more about the delegates' voluntary service. He complimented the delegates for their unswerving efforts to teach with enthusiasm, which should be highly praised.
Mr Lau said, "At first, they were not familiar with their life in the Mainland, then they adapted to the environment. They also took up the role of a good teacher, and gained experience with their students and opportunities for personal development. At the end, they left reluctantly. Although they stayed for only half a year to one year, it has already become part of the most valuable memories in their lives."
He added that benefits for the delegates and improvement of the students in the Mainland are the founding aims of the Service Corps. He expressed the hope that the programme will continue. He also encouraged the delegates to make the most of what they have learnt to contribute to the community as well as share with their friends the experience in the Mainland, inspiring more young people from Hong Kong to take part in voluntary service in the Mainland.
Mr Lau thanked the Guangdong Youth Federation and committee members of the Communist Youth Leagues of Meizhou and Shaoguan as well as the Municipal People's Governments of the two cities for their full support, and expressed appreciation for the care given to the delegates by teachers and participating schools. He also gave thanks to the Hong Kong Volunteers Association for the training provided to the delegates before their service and careful management during the service period.
The Home Affairs Bureau launched the Service Corps programme in 2011 to provide financial support for youths aged between 18 and 29 to serve in remote areas in the Mainland for one semester or for the whole school year. With an aim of developing young people's tenacity and potential, the volunteer programme encourages Hong Kong young people to serve others and contribute to their country with a view to enhancing their understanding of the motherland and promoting the spirit of volunteerism. Nearly 110 Hong Kong youths have participated in Phases I to VI of the programme.
The delegates of the Service Corps programme (Phase VI) were sent to various primary and secondary schools in Shaoguan and Meizhou, namely Huaping Experimental School, Lishi Town Centre Primary School, Chengdong Central Primary School, Xiyang Town Centre Primary School and Bingcun Town Centre Primary School, to provide teaching assistance to preschool, primary and junior secondary students in various subjects and help organise extracurricular activities from September 2015 to July 2016.
Families and friends of the delegates also attended today's ceremony to see them receive the certificates and show recognition for their service. Led by representatives of the Shaoguan Municipal People's Government and the Meizhou Municipal People's Government, teachers and students have also come to Hong Kong for a visit and exchange as well as to attend the ceremony.
Youths who are interested in joining the programme can
visit the Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/servicecorpshk) or the webpage (www.servicecorps.hk) of the Service Corps for more details or call 3509 7022 for enquiries.
Ends/Saturday, August 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:26
Issued at HKT 18:26
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