University students and volunteers commended for URA’s Community Service Partnership Programme

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) today (Friday) commended more than 150 tertiary students and volunteers from local non-government organisations (NGOs) and URA staff team in recognition of their community service to the residents in old districts in the 2012/2013 academic year.

Speaking at an award presentation ceremony, the Managing Director of the URA, Ms Iris Tam, expressed her gratitude to all students, NGOs, URA staff volunteers, and the Agency for Voluntary Service for making the Community Service Partnership Scheme (CSPS) possible, which is organised for the first time by the Authority. 

She said: "The mission of the URA is to tackle the urban decay problem and improve the living conditions of residents in dilapidated urban areas through redevelopment and rehabilitation. Adhering to this principle, CSPS provides URA colleagues a platform to contribute to the community outside their jobs, and at the same time, promotes service learning among the youngsters, allowing them to better understand the society and build up strong team spirit through their volunteer service in old districts."

CSPS is a tripartite partnership scheme, in which URA has partnered with nine tertiary institutions and local NGOs in this academic year to serve those in need at various old districts through offering free tutorial classes for kids of the grass-roots families, visiting the elderly living in old buildings and caring programme for the homeless. Over 1,200 service hours have been achieved for the year.

CSPS also allows URA staff to share their work experience in old districts with the younger generation, enhancing their knowledge about urban renewal.

"To continue to show our care and concerns for those living in different old districts, the URA has started planning for the programmes for the CSPS in the coming academic year," Ms Tam added.

Institutions and organisations being commended today are Lingnan University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Caritas Institute of Higher Education, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tuen Mun), Agency for Volunteer Service, Hong Kong Buddhist Association Children & Youth Centre, Society for Community Organisation, The NAAC, and the Salvation Army Integrated Service for Street Sleepers.

(ENDS)