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The following is issued on behalf of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research:
The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) today (March 29) called for organisations to apply for grants to organise territory-wide Putonghua promotion activities.
"Since 2002, SCOLAR has been organising large-scale activities to provide a diversified and fun-filled environment for students to learn Putonghua outside the classroom. Various community-wide activities have also been launched to create an atmosphere for the public to learn Putonghua", a spokesman for SCOLAR said.
"In view of the enthusiastic response to these activities, SCOLAR has decided to invite organisations interested in organising activities to promote Putonghua to apply for grants for organising non-profit-making activities in 2007 and 2008 with a view to raising the Putonghua proficiency of the general public and students by creating more opportunities for them to use and practice Putonghua," he said.
Interested parties may submit their proposals from today until May 3 to organise school-based activities including drama, debate, public speaking, music, and training for radio broadcasting and radio drama, as well as public activities for the wider community.
A Vetting Panel to be formed under SCOLAR will review the proposals received based on their cost-effectiveness, creativity, feasibility, coverage of beneficiaries and proponents' track record in organising similar activities. Proposals not within the above-mentioned school-based activities, or those targeted at specific districts, sectors, organisations, communities, or societies will not be considered.
The deadline for submission of proposals is 6pm on May 3. Applications can be submitted in person or by post to the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research at Room 1702, Skyline Tower, 39 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon (Attention: Project Co-ordinator (3)). Late or faxed/e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
For more details, please refer to the SCOLAR website at: http://www.language-education.com. For enquiries, please contact the SCOLAR Support Unit at telephone number: 3165 1186/3165 1183, or e-mail: eap@emb.gov.hk.
Established in 1996, SCOLAR advises the Government on language education issues and on the use of the Language Fund.
Ends/Thursday, March 29, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:45
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