Quality social services for community ************************************************** The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) will provide a new driving force and a vision to build up our social capital and enliven our community, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (February 26). Addressing a briefing and consultation session on the proposed operational arrangements of the CIIF organised by the Health and Welfare Bureau, Mr Tung stressed that the Government was firmly committed to providing quality social services for the community.  "However, we do not believe government efforts alone can build a caring community, particularly in face of such sizable deficits. We also rely on the community's motivation and dedication to foster social cohesion and a spirit of mutual care and aid," he said. The Chief Executive said that the CIIF was established with the objective to bring the community closer together, to foster a sense of belonging and to build up shared values by encouraging mutual concern, support and assistance.  The $300 million CIIF was announced in the Chief Executive's 2001 Policy Address. It will provide the resources and serve as a vehicle to support community-initiated projects. Today's session was held to brief the concerned groups on the proposed arrangements of the operation of the Fund, and to solicit views and input on such arrangements. The session was enthusiastically supported by over 270 participants from the welfare sector, and community and women's groups. Prior to the start of the session, the Chief Executive met with some 40 members of related advisory bodies, and community, welfare and women's groups. Earlier in the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Social Welfare Department's Lady Trench Training Centre in Wan Chai where he met with 70 youngsters who were recruited as Peer Counsellors to help Secondary Three School leavers who may face problems at the crossroads of their life. Mr Tung observed them attending a training session. He listened to them exchanging views on how to handle emotional problems of their clients, and their expectations as Peer Counsellors. The Chief Executive encouraged young people to be confident and to better equip themselves to face up to the challenges of a knowledge-based economy. A total of 150 youngsters have been recruited under the Peer Counsellors project, which is another initiative announced by the Chief Executive in his 2001 Policy Address. Mr Tung was accompanied on his visit by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Dr E K Yeoh and the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Carrie Lam. End/Tuesday, February 26, 2002