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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited Tsuen Wan this afternoon (December 19) to exchange views with school pupils and the public on fostering a green community.
Mr Tsang, accompanied by the Tsuen Wan District Officer, Mrs Alison Lau, first visited the Shak Chung Shan Memorial Catholic Primary School.
In 2002, the high-tech school introduced electronic schoolbags to pupils to browse and read information as required for their study via the LAN and the Internet instead of using paper notes. It was also the first school to initiate a "paperless artwork" programme funded by the Quality Education Fund.
The Chief Executive saw pupils' drawing demonstrations on the computer and joined their interactive computer games on environmental protection. He also gave an interview to student reporters on green life and a green environment.
"Pupils are full of creativity and we can have a vision of an environment that they hope for so innocently and genuinely manifested in the artwork of our young generation," Mr Tsang said.
"To enable citizens to enjoy a quality city life, the Government will actively promote environmental protection and foster a green community," he said.
The Chief Executive then visited seedling and herb fields of an organic farm in Tsuen Wan. The farm was set up by the Produce Green Foundation with tutors to provide assistance on farming. More than 260 small fields of the farm have now been rented to people aged 60 or above for them to enjoy and exchange the fun of planting and farming with their peers and families.
The Chief Executive was told that the small fields, as well as planting flowers to beautify the environment, would also grow organic agricultural products. Mr Tsang joined the elderly in making fruit jam by using products from the farm.
"If the school is the training ground for environmental protection, the farm will be a place to manifest green life. I am pleased to see that the elderly in a hustling and bustling town like Tsuen Wan can enjoy the fun of farming. They help sow the seed of hope for a green community," he said.
The Chief Executive ended his visit by visiting a noodle production company and a vinegar seasoning shop to understand their businesses which have been operating for more than 50 years.
Ends/Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:58
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