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Closure fears unfounded

Philanthropy

I refer to the letter from Joey Wong Yi-kei (South China Morning Post, February 15), in which she expressed her concern over the closure of all study rooms of the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong.

Upon completion of a comprehensive review of the school social work service, in April 1999, the policy of one school social worker for each secondary school was endorsed by the administration.

This has necessitated a re-deployment of resources within the Social Welfare Department and the department has worked closely with the non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association, in order to re-deploy resources from those under-utilised and/or overprovided children's and youth centres, as well as the study and reading rooms.

The re-deployment of resources from the study and reading rooms is confined to staff costs only. The NGOs can retain their premises and those subsidies which relate to other charges, and rent and rates of study and reading rooms. In this way, NGOs can continue to provide study facilities for young people in local communities.

CHEUNG HING-WAH for Director of Social Welfare

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