More than half the respondents to a survey say they are dissatisfied with government efforts to tackle child poverty.
Concern groups and academics have called on officials to increase financial assistance to underprivileged pupils and take initiatives to help children to break through the social barrier caused by poverty.
Of 95 adults interviewed by the Youth Alliance for the Assistance of the Underprivileged, nearly half said poverty limited children's learning opportunities and their chances of making friends. Forty-seven per cent said poverty would make children feel inferior.
Nearly half said a relief package announced in July, including a HK$1,000 allowance for each pupil ahead of the new school year and half-fares for students travelling on lines formerly operated by Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, did not go far enough. About 80 per cent called on the government to establish a committee to set out long-term solutions to child poverty and to increase financial assistance to students.
Hedrick Lui Chi-hang, convenor of the alliance, said more resources should be put into schools and community centres to help pupils study and encourage them to take part in extra-curricular activities.
Meanwhile, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association held a forum yesterday, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, to suggest measures to help poor children.