Service Corps delegates commended by FS (with photos)
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     The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, today (July 30) presented certificates of completion of service to 27 delegates of Phase V of the Service Corps programme to commend them for their outstanding performance in voluntary service in Shaoguan and Meizhou in Guangdong Province.

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, also complimented the delegates for their spirit of selfless service. He said he hopes that young people will continue to promote this positive energy in the future.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lau said, "Having started in 2011, the Service Corps programme reached Phase V this year. Every year, we can see a lot of young people experiencing possibly the most precious moments of their life. I am deeply moved by all your selfless contributions in providing service to the country, while your souls have also been enriched in the course."

     He also said that the programme will continue and the delegates from the previous phases are also preparing to establish an alumni association. He expressed the hope that the power of cohesion and selfless spirit will continue in fostering love for our country, Hong Kong and our next generation.

     Mr Lau also 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 the tender care of teachers from each participating school given to the delegates. He also gave special thanks to the efforts of the Hong Kong Volunteers Association in training and management.

     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 underprivileged 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 mother country with a view to enhancing their understanding of their motherland and promoting the spirit of volunteerism. Around 100 Hong Kong youths participated in Phases I to V of the programme.

     The 27 members of Phase V of the Service Corps programme were sent to eight primary and secondary schools in Shaoguan and Meizhou, namely Shaxi Secondary School, Shaxi Town Centre Primary School, Lishi Town Centre Primary School, Huaping Experimental School, Songkou Middle School, Yanyang Town Centre Primary School, Bingcun Town Centre Primary School and Bingcun Secondary School, to provide teaching assistance to preschool, primary and junior secondary students in various subjects and organise extracurricular activities from September 2014 to July 2015.

     Families and friends of the delegates also attended today's ceremony to show their support. Led by representatives of the Shaoguan Municipal People's Government and the Meizhou Municipal People's Government, teachers and students also came to Hong Kong for a visit and exchange and to attend the ceremony.

     Phase VI of the Service Corps programme will begin in September. Those who are interested in joining the programme can submit their application on or before August 14. For application details, please visit the dedicated website at www.servicecorps.hk.

Ends/Thursday, July 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:26

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