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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, today (November 18) visited Tung Chung to learn more about community facilities in the district and the operation of a social enterprise there.
Accompanied by the District Officer (Islands), Mr Byron Lam, and Vice-Chairman of the Islands District Council, Ms Chau Chuen-heung, Mr Tsang first toured facilities at the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Tung Chung Integrated Services Centre in Yat Tung Estate.
Established in 2001, the centre serves families in Yat Tung Estate and Lantau Island by providing one-shop and comprehensive services, including family life education, outreach services, community integration programme, after-school care services and an elderly day care centre to the residents. Through various services, the centre helps people of different ages develop their potential, enhance family relationships and build a harmonious community.
Mr Tsang had a tea gathering with members of the ethnic minority community to listen to their experience about daily life and views about community services. Mr Tsang said the Government was committed to promoting racial equality and harmony. Relevant government departments, including the Islands District Office, spared no effort to provide the necessary support services to the ethnic minorities and facilitate their integration into the community through various activities.
Mr Tsang then proceeded to the Tung Chung Green Organic Farm. A social enterprise established by the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Hong Kong, the farm aims to promote ecology conservation and healthy lifestyle and diet. Mr Tsang was happy to see that the farm had provided diversified services as well as job opportunities to the residents through professional training.
Mr Tsang said that the community played a vital role in promoting the development of social enterprises. The Home Affairs Bureau will establish a Social Enterprise Advisory Committee to collect the views from various sectors in the community to formulate strategies and measures conducive to the development of social enterprises in Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:58
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