Community Investment and Inclusion Fund launches social capital network **************************************************** SC.Net, a platform for various sectors of the community to exchange ideas and share experience about the development of social capital, is launched by the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) today (November 28). Delivering his welcoming remarks at the launching ceremony of the social capital network – SC.Net, the Chairman of the CIIF Committee, Mr Yeung Ka-sing, said, “In the last six years, the challenges faced by Hong Kong – be it big or small – have direct impact to our livelihood. During this period, CIIF supported quite a number of community projects to promote mutual support among the public and provide timely assistance to families and people in need, thereby reinforcing our community to struggle against adversity. “The achievements of the Fund in promoting the building of community networks are widely known. The inaugural of the SC.Net symbolised a new era for CIIF in the promotion of social capital.” The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, gave his full support to the launch of the SC.Net. He pointed out that Hong Kong is facing a tough time as the financial tsunami begins to affect the economy and the livelihood of the people. All sectors should work together to fight against adversity. Mr Cheung believed that the SC.Net would serve as a platform for the community to share their experience in the development of social capital. Mr Cheung presented appointment certificates to more than 50 founding members of the SC.Net at the launching ceremony. He thanked them for their support for the fund and hoped they would continue to promote the concept of social capital to enable more people to benefit. More than 300 representatives from the welfare sector, government departments, business sector, district councils, CIIF-funded project teams, community organisations and residents’ associations attended the launching ceremony at the Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Shek Pai Wan Clubhouse. They took a ribbon in relay onto the stage, symbolising the launch of the SC.Net through the collaborated efforts of various sectors for the promotion of social capital. Before the launching ceremony, a number of guests, academia and prominent people shared their experience in facing up to the challenges in difficult times, and ways to promote social investment and reinforce the community to struggle against adversity. 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. The fund has supported more than 180 community projects, benefiting about 300,000 people. The fund is inviting the 14th batch of application, the theme of which is the enhancement of young people’s resilience and employability. For information on the fund, please visit its website (www.ciif.gov.hk). ends 28 Nov 2008 (Friday)