The Civil Service Bureau's (CSB) Volunteer Team today (September 22) helped the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf to organise "Hong Kong Sign Language Day 2024" games at a shopping mall in Tai Wai, where members of the public could learn sign language and play games to encourage them to communicate more with the hearing impaired.
 
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, "In less than 10 days, we will celebrate the National Day. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), a joyous occasion that fills every Chinese with pride. To celebrate with the public, the CSB has actively co-ordinated the event of 'Civil Service Volunteer Service in Celebration of the Founding of the PRC'. Seventy-five volunteer teams from government bureaux and departments will organise or participate in volunteer services with the theme of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. About 4,500 volunteers from the 75 teams will organise and participate in various activities from September to November to share the joy of the National Day with the public, foster a sense of patriotism in the community, and provide care for the needy.
 
     "The volunteer teams will organise a wide variety of volunteer services. In addition to festive events, these activities will include visits and guided tours, care visits, interest classes, handicraft workshops and sports activities. Around 34,000 target participants will benefit from the activities, including the elderly, children and young people, grassroots families, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities."
 
     Today's event featured display boards introducing sign language related to the country, with designs incorporating Chinese elements. Volunteers and sign-language teachers led the public in learning sign language for words related to National Day through simple games. Mrs Yeung also joined CSB volunteers in learning sign-language phrases like "75th anniversary", "panda" and "Hong Kong, China" under the guidance of a sign-language teacher.
 
     Civil servants' participation in voluntary services not only demonstrates their care for those in need in the community, but also has a positive impact on strengthening team spirit and boosting staff morale in the civil service, as well as deepening civil servants' understanding of the needs of the public from different angles, enabling them to provide public services in their respective posts in a more targeted manner and better meeting the needs of people. This year the CSB launched the Civil Service Volunteer Commendation Scheme to recognise civil service volunteer teams and individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions in participating in and promoting volunteer services. This scheme includes awards for volunteer teams and individuals. A total of 14 teams and 337 individuals have been selected for awards in this inaugural scheme. An award presentation ceremony will be held at a later date.
 
     The CSB encourages volunteer teams to strengthen collaboration with different sectors of the community to maximise the synergy in promoting volunteerism and using their spare time to help those in need. Today's event was one such example.

Ends/Sunday, September 22, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:40

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