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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, visited social service centres and a school in Yau Tsim Mong District today (March 11) to learn more about the living and learning environment of ethnic minorities.
"Hong Kong is a caring society. Ethnic minorities regard Hong Kong as their home and are a part of the Hong Kong community. We should promote the spirit of mutual help and care and do our utmost to help them adapt to the local community and develop their potential," Mr Tsang said.
He thanked district groups and non-governmental organisations for their long service in assisting ethnic minorities to integrate into the community.
"The Home Affairs Department will be given more resources to set up a dedicated team next month to unite district forces and networks to better facilitate the integration of ethnic minorities and new arrivals into the community," he added.
Mr Tsang first arrived at Mong Kok Kai Fong Association Chan Hing Social Service Centre to see the services for ethnic minorities such as tutorial classes, individual guidance and support groups for women. Mr Tsang also took the chance to chat with ethnic minority women at the centre and taste the ethnic cuisine prepared by them.
Mr Tsang then went to the Yaumatei Kaifong Association School. Apart from watching a cricket demonstration, he also chatted with non-Chinese-speaking students about their learning experiences and campus life.
Many of the students at the school are non-Chinese-speaking, mainly of Nepali, Pakistani and Philippine ethnicity. Though the school uses English as the medium of instruction, it also receives funding to develop a Chinese curriculum to enhance students' assimilation into the local culture.
During the visit, Mr Tsang also visited the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre.
At his last stop at Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service's Yau Tsim Mong Family Education and Support Centre, Mr Tsang talked to ethnic minority youngsters and learned about the services there, including a mentorship programme, anti-drug educational activities, non-Chinese- speaking retraining courses, translation and interpretation services and a food bank.
One of its service programmes, "Project Love", is funded by the Yau Tsim Mong District Office to help ethnic minority youth stay away from drugs and integrate into the community through a counselling service, mentorship scheme and interest groups.
"We will continue to enhance cooperation with district groups and non-governmental bodies to provide suitable services for ethnic minorities," Mr Tsang said.
Ends/Friday, March 11, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:08
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