Government is determined to provide support for the needy
(With photos)
********************************************************** The Government was determined to work with non-government organisations and the business sector to provide support for the needy, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (September 7) after a visit to Kwai Tsing.
Mr Tsang was pleased to see that the government-subvented Yan Chai Hospital Mrs Kwok Yuk Cheung Care & Attention Home in Lai King had enhanced the well-being of elderly residents suffering from poor health, physical or mental disabilities. This was being done through a wide range of services from residential, nursing, and medical care; therapeutic exercises and treatments; to social and recreational activities.
The home encouraged family members of residents to volunteer to assist in daily living activities and organise special activities to meet the needs of their own elderly family members and other elders.
"I am touched by the dedication of the staff and the unselfishness of residents' family members in their efforts to help elderly residents live a quality and dignified life in their late years," Mr Tsang said.
He was briefed on the effectiveness of mahjong playing, a popular social activity among the Chinese communities, in treating senile dementia.
Mr Tsang also visited a day nursery in Cheung Hang Estate, Tsing Yi, and the Caritas Jockey Club Lai King Rehabilitation Centre, an integrated vocational rehabilitation centre opened in 2004 for ex-mental patients aged 15 or above.
The centre provides ability assessment, occupational therapy services, on-the-job training, counselling services, sheltered work and supported employment opportunities such as bakery, beauty and cleansing services. It also provides social and recreational activities.
"It is important for disabled people to have an equal chance to participate in productive and gainful employment in the open market. Vocational rehabilitation enables ex-mentally ill people to secure suitable employment and consequently improve their ability to support themselves and integrate into society," Mr Tsang said.
The Yan Chai Hospital Zonta Club of Kowloon Child Care Centre meets the needs of families and working parents who require longer hours of child care assistance.
English courses by native tutors, computer courses, drawing and handicraft activities provide children with a sound foundation for formal schooling.
During a sharing session of children, parents and teachers, Mr Tsang was told that six mildly disabled children were receiving elementary education and social training at the centre with a view to helping them integrate into mainstream education and the community as a whole. Mr Tsang shared his parenting experience and stressed that teachers and parents, being the "idols" of children, played an equally important role in bringing them up.
"I would use the term 'an iron triangle' to describe the close-knit relations among voluntary organisations, families and the Government in nurturing our next generation," Mr Tsang said. "I hope that together we shall provide a caring and good learning environment for children - our assets and successors."
The Chief Executive's final stop was Metroplaza, a shopping mall catering for younger tastes in the district. At Rave Zone, an Internet recreational area inside the mall, Mr Tsang chatted with young shop operators. "Talking to youngsters helps me better understand the needs and expectations of the younger generation. It also helps me stay energetic and young at heart," he said.
Accompanying the Chief Executive on today's visit were Director of Home Affairs Mrs Pamela Tan, District Officer (Kwai Tsing) Mr Allan Chow and District Social Welfare Officer (Tsuen Wan/Kwai Tsing), Mr Lam Hei-chung.
(With photos)
********************************************************** The Government was determined to work with non-government organisations and the business sector to provide support for the needy, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (September 7) after a visit to Kwai Tsing.
Mr Tsang was pleased to see that the government-subvented Yan Chai Hospital Mrs Kwok Yuk Cheung Care & Attention Home in Lai King had enhanced the well-being of elderly residents suffering from poor health, physical or mental disabilities. This was being done through a wide range of services from residential, nursing, and medical care; therapeutic exercises and treatments; to social and recreational activities.
The home encouraged family members of residents to volunteer to assist in daily living activities and organise special activities to meet the needs of their own elderly family members and other elders.
"I am touched by the dedication of the staff and the unselfishness of residents' family members in their efforts to help elderly residents live a quality and dignified life in their late years," Mr Tsang said.
He was briefed on the effectiveness of mahjong playing, a popular social activity among the Chinese communities, in treating senile dementia.
Mr Tsang also visited a day nursery in Cheung Hang Estate, Tsing Yi, and the Caritas Jockey Club Lai King Rehabilitation Centre, an integrated vocational rehabilitation centre opened in 2004 for ex-mental patients aged 15 or above.
The centre provides ability assessment, occupational therapy services, on-the-job training, counselling services, sheltered work and supported employment opportunities such as bakery, beauty and cleansing services. It also provides social and recreational activities.
"It is important for disabled people to have an equal chance to participate in productive and gainful employment in the open market. Vocational rehabilitation enables ex-mentally ill people to secure suitable employment and consequently improve their ability to support themselves and integrate into society," Mr Tsang said.
The Yan Chai Hospital Zonta Club of Kowloon Child Care Centre meets the needs of families and working parents who require longer hours of child care assistance.
English courses by native tutors, computer courses, drawing and handicraft activities provide children with a sound foundation for formal schooling.
During a sharing session of children, parents and teachers, Mr Tsang was told that six mildly disabled children were receiving elementary education and social training at the centre with a view to helping them integrate into mainstream education and the community as a whole. Mr Tsang shared his parenting experience and stressed that teachers and parents, being the "idols" of children, played an equally important role in bringing them up.
"I would use the term 'an iron triangle' to describe the close-knit relations among voluntary organisations, families and the Government in nurturing our next generation," Mr Tsang said. "I hope that together we shall provide a caring and good learning environment for children - our assets and successors."
The Chief Executive's final stop was Metroplaza, a shopping mall catering for younger tastes in the district. At Rave Zone, an Internet recreational area inside the mall, Mr Tsang chatted with young shop operators. "Talking to youngsters helps me better understand the needs and expectations of the younger generation. It also helps me stay energetic and young at heart," he said.
Accompanying the Chief Executive on today's visit were Director of Home Affairs Mrs Pamela Tan, District Officer (Kwai Tsing) Mr Allan Chow and District Social Welfare Officer (Tsuen Wan/Kwai Tsing), Mr Lam Hei-chung.
Ends/Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:05
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