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The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
The Closing Ceremony of the 31st International Youth HH Camp 2006
Speech by Mr Paul Tang, Director of Social Welfare
Date / : / 3 August 2006 (Thursday)Time / : / 7:00 p.m.
Place / : / Diamond Ballroom 1, Eaton Hotel, 380 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei,Kowloon
Mr Yeung Po-kwan, Mr Raymond Yeung, distinguished guests and young friends,
I am delighted to attend the closing ceremony of the 31st International Youth Handicapped in Hearing Camp 2006 hosted by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (“HKYMCA”).
The International Youth HH Camp was first organised in 1975. HKYMCA is one of the core members starting this worthwhile activity. Throughout the years HKYMCA has worked continuously to promote the development of the camp. Its efforts and contributions in this area are highly commendable.
The International Youth HH Camp has entered its 31st anniversary. For the past 31 years, through the unceasing effort of the YMCAs in the Asia-Pacific Region,the camp has developed from a special and meaningful rehabilitation service into a unique international exchange programme. Every year the camp provides an invaluable learning opportunity for over 100 hearing-impaired youths from all over the world to expand their global vision and promote their personal development. With the world undergoing rapid development in the era of globalisation, it is essential for the youth to be equipped with such vision and abilities.
This year HKYMCA plays host to this international event again. Thisnot only reflects the concern of its management and frontline workers over the socially disadvantaged groups, but alsomanifests the theme of “love and sharity” for its 105th anniversary celebration. Committed to creating a caring society in Hong Kong, HKYMCA has made remarkable efforts to assist youths with hearingimpairmentin developing their potential, achieving self-realisation and integrating into the community. HKYMCA also assists the Radio Television Hong Kong in providing sign language interpretation service in a public affairs programme on Sunday dedicated for the hearing impaired. In addition, itis one of the participating organisations of the 992 SMS Emergency Hotline Service, which is the first of such kind of service in the world. The service encourages people with hearing impairment to seek assistance in emergencies by sending SMSs. All of these supportive servicesprovide creative solutions to fully meet the practical needs of the hearing impaired. They signify the importance of creating a barrier-free society and embody the spirit of social integration.
To coordinate efforts and raise the community’s concern for the hearing impaired and to acknowledge the equal rights of youths with hearing impairment to be full members of the community areour common mission. The HKSAR Government has attached great importance to the development of rehabilitation services and providedpeople with disabilities, including the hearing impaired, with a range of comprehensive supportive services, such as pre-school services, services for parents and vocational rehabilitation. Recently, the Social Welfare Department has launched the “Sunnyway – On the Job Training Programme for Young People with Disabilities” to encourage employers to employ young people with disabilities. Through the programme, many young people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairment, have secured employment in the open market.
Since becoming the Director of Social Welfare, I have come into touch with many disabled people who display great strength and resilience. I am deeply moved by their perseverance and endeavours in trying to overcome their handicap and pursue a meaningful life.
I would like to congratulate all our young friends sitting here on completing your training at the camp. You have expanded your horizons and strengthened your confidence through this international exchangeprogramme. I earnestly expect that all of you can embrace the spirit of “love and sharity” by overcoming your handicap, leading a meaningful life and serving your community with what you have learnt. Hong Kong is a city full of vibrancy. I hope you will take this opportunity to learn more about our culture and experience the hustle and bustle of our city.
Lastly, I would like to express my congratulations to HKYMCA on their successful hosting of the 31st International Youth HH Camp 2006. May I wish the camp of the next year a huge success. Thank you very much.