Caring and sharing: Financial Secretary Henry Tang visits an after-school care project in Tuen Mun.

The establishment of the Community Investment & Inclusion Fund and the new Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged can help bring about more mutual-help projects.

This was the message today from Financial Secretary Henry Tang who said such projects will contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Mr Tang visited an after-school care project funded by the Community Investment & Inclusion Fund in Tuen Mun to extend his New Year greetings to children and volunteers, and garner feedback.

Community resources

Mr Tang said: "(This project) vividly demonstrates that through promoting effective use of community resources and encouraging mutual help, participants from all sides can benefit."

Project volunteers nurture needy children and give them the love of a second home to help them improve themselves.

"There is an admirably close relationship between the children and volunteer parents and tertiary students. I can feel the warmth," Mr Tang said.

He said many volunteer parents have been able to discover and exercise their potential better after participating in the project.

Win-win situation

Mr Tang said: "Through training and empowerment, they are better equipped in teaching their own children. They also attained a sense of achievement after helping others to improve themselves. Many of the volunteer workers were then able to join the work force, and this is a win-win situation for all."

The $300 million Community Investment & Inclusion Fund aims to encourage mutual support and assistance and promote community participation.