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The Eastern District anti-youth drug abuse community programme, "Soar Higher Project", was launched today (August 16). Under the project, tailor-made activities will help youths at risk and those who had abused drugs nurture positive values towards life and say no to drugs.
Acting Eastern District Officer, Mr Steve Tse; Eastern District Council Chairman, Ms Christina Ting; Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Coordinating Secretary, Ms Yeung Kin Tong; Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Eastern /Wan Chai), Ms Dinah Lee; Police Communication Relations Officer (Eastern District), Ms Ada Seto; Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Department Manager (Community & Patient Resource Department), Ms Daisy Wong; and District Councillors and representatives from other supporting groups attended the briefing session and launch ceremony.
"Soar Higher Project", which is carried out by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Chai Wan Centre (the Centre), will recruit about 150 teenagers in the district through the Centre¡¯s outreach network and referrals from supporting groups.
Tailor-made group activities include marching and military training, performing arts training such as break dance, rock band and modelling, voluntary services as well as ball games. Workshops will also be arranged to disseminate anti-drug messages.
District personalities are also invited to join as mentors of the programme, to share with youngsters their experiences and positive values towards life. Thirty mentors attended the signing ceremony today to pledge their support.
Furthermore, health checks and counselling will be provided to participants in need, while those who have successfully quit drug abuse will be invited to join the YMCA¡¯s other services.
Mr Tse said, "After serving in the district for years, the Centre is very experienced in providing youth outreach services, both in daytime and nightime, and is a suitable organisation to carry out the programme."
Ms Christina Ting said, "Eastern District Council enthusiastically supports the programme. Some District Councilors and local personalities join as mentors in the 'Soar Higher Project'. The mentors will give youngsters a feeling of being cared, and help build up positive values for them." She appealed for community's support and active participation in the programme, and wished it every success.
Ends/Sunday, August 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:09
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