Joint launch of CIIF-funded projects in Tin Shui Wai **************************************************** The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund organised a joint launch ceremony today (5 August) to kick off 19 funded projects in Tin Shui Wai. Representatives of the project teams, collaborating organisations and participants got together at the ceremony to show their commitment towards building neighbourhood support networks in the district. Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chairperson of the Fund, Ms Sophia Kao Ching-chi, said, “Today we see a new milestone for the Fund - a critical mass of 19 projects to be implemented in a single community at one go. We will set a record in the community gains and differences that we create. We invite all the residents in Tin Shui Wai to participate in our projects and join us in developing social capital. We shall build a better and more harmonious Tin Shui Wai with our concerted efforts.” The Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Paul Tang Kwok-wai, fully supported the work of the Fund and was very appreciative of the passion and enthusiasm of the community organisations involved. He hoped the projects would mobilise local residents to actively participate in the community and give an impetus in building a beautiful Tin Shui Wai. The Fund is now supporting 19 projects in Tin Shui Wai and involves more than 90 collaborating organisations. Covering over 80% of the public housing estates in the district, the projects are tailored to meet the needs of the community. Through setting up cooperatives, appointing house captains, forging supportive neighbourhood networks, providing after-school care and family support services as well as promoting a healthy and safe community, the projects are expected to benefit more than 12,000 families. The ceremony was held in Pak Kau College at Tin Wah Road, Tin Shui Wai. Apart from representatives from the Government, the Fund and the project teams, hundreds of collaborators from the social welfare sector, education sector, medical sector, district council, community organisations and resident organisations joined the ceremony. They put together the glow sticks they held to signify their unity and their hope to “light up” the entire Tin Shui Wai. The Fund also invited three project teams that have successfully developed flagship projects in other districts to share their experience. The Government established the $300 million Community Investment and Inclusion Fund in 2002 to foster mutual support in the neighbourhood, promote community participation and provide seed funding to district projects for building social capital. For information on the Fund, please visit its website: www.ciif.gov.hk. Ends 5 August 2008