EditorialExpanding subsidised after-school care will help more families

Authorities were mulling a new voucher scheme for after-school care services as early as 2018 after 17.5 per cent of local children were deemed to be living in poverty despite government intervention.

A breakthrough came three years ago when the incumbent administration launched a pilot scheme allowing about 3,000 children in 59 schools to receive after-school care on campus. As of last month, the coverage has widened to 10,500 places in 200 schools across all 18 districts.

What sets the school-based care scheme apart is that non-governmental organisations will operate the services at venues provided by participating schools. Pupils in need can stay on campus to receive care and learning support in a safe and familiar environment while their parents work to improve their livelihood.

The commitment by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to further expand the coverage is welcome. He said the scheme had helped promote family harmony, with children also reporting improvements in both academic performance and social life.

Similar to the Community Living Room scheme, which taps support from businesses and NGOs in offering shared kitchens, dining, study and laundry facilities for residents living in subdivided units, the after-school care scheme is a positive step to create synergy between the education and welfare sectors in alleviating poverty. Commendable as they are, the services can only cover a fraction of those in need. In the case of after-school care, means-tested eligibility means more could miss out. Many lower-middle-class families cannot afford private tutoring, recreational or care services for their young children after school. Authorities should consider making the services more widely available in accordance with the state of public finances.