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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, this afternoon (January 31) visited Wan Chai to better understand livelihood issues of the district.
Accompanied by the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr William Yuen, Mr Tang first went to Wan Chai Methodist Centre where the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme and training courses of Project Dawn and Project Solar, both targeted at rehabilitated youths, were being held.
Mr Tang learnt that apart from general classroom training, the centre also arranged attachment programmes for the trainees to enhance their experience. Mr Tang encouraged trainees to work hard to equip themselves so that they can give back to society.
Mr Tang then visited St. Paulˇ¦s Convent Secondary School in Causeway Bay, and was briefed by its principal, Sister Margaret Wong, on the different measures implemented by the school to tie in with education reform.
After a tour which highlighted studentsˇ¦ learning of arts and cultural subjects, Mr Tang said, ˇ§I am deeply impressed by the diversity of the curriculum, the flexible teaching approach, the enthusiasm of the students in arts and culture and their creativity. These have enhanced my confidence in developing arts and culture in Hong Kong.ˇ¨
Mr Tang also paid a visit to the Wan Chai Methodist Centre for the Seniors. In view of the cold weather these days, he presented scarves to the elders. Mr Tang asked the elders to keep warm and to take good care of themselves. In case of need, they could move in temporary shelters provided by the Home Affairs Department or seek help from the Social Welfare Department.
Mr Tang's last stop was the Wan Chai Market to understand the livelihood issues there. Mr Yuen briefed him on plans of preserving the open-air bazaars in Tai Yuen Street and Cross Street, and conserving buildings with historical and social value, such as the "Blue House" and the "Wan Chai Market Complex".
After his visit, Mr Tang said the Government would strike a balance between development and conservation as far as possible. It would adopt a "district-based" approach when considering development and revitalisation of the old Wan Chai, he said.
Ends/Thursday, January 31, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:08
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