Page 53 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

and laypeople could learn more about the nature of
mental illness and the mental health policies in Hong
Kong.

(j) Drug Testing

Due to the increase of young drug users, the
Government is prepared to launch a drug test scheme
in the secondary schools of Tai Po at the end of 2009.
The Committee issued an article on September 9, 2009
Protest against the betting centre set up on school area to express their opinion that government should tackle
the problem with an integrated strategy and diversified
the day when LegCo had discussions on the issue.
model.
Nonetheless, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's request was
finally approved by the Legislative Council to add five
additional horse-racing days and fifteen simulcasts.
Besides, in September 2009, Gambling Watch
learned that the Hong Kong Jockey Club planned to set
up a betting center one level below three kindergartens
at a shopping mall in Tung Chung, in the vicinity of three
primary schools and one secondary school. Therefore,
Gambling Watch sent correspondence to the Betting and
Lotteries Commission calling for action.

(g) Universal Retirement Protection
Interns protest for reasonable working shifts for security
The Committee is a member of Joint Alliance of guards
Universal Retirement Protection. The Policy Address
2. The Ecumenical Summer
2008 considered introducing a means test mechanism
on Old Age Allowance (OAA) claimants. Facing the Internship Program
opposition of the public and NGOs, the Government
dropped the means-testing and raised the OAA to
$1000. However, due to the limitation of OAA to secure To equip the next generation of young ecumenical
the basic needs of the elderly, the Alliance organized a leaders, the Council organized the Ecumenical Summer
demonstration on Elderly Day on November 16, 2008 Internship Program 2009 from June to July 2009.This
and asked for the universal pension scheme. The program provided 6 theology students and 2 university
Alliance met with different sectors, including Mr. Matthew students with an opportunity to delve into the relationship
Cheung Kin-chung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, to between Christian faith and justice. Three of the interns
explain the proposal of the Alliance. joined the Council: Mr. Lee Ka-keung, Mr. Lam Tsz-kin
and Mr. Law Yan-chi.
(h) Asylum Seekers and Refugees
In order to enhance the project, 3 public
The Committee is a member of Refugee Concern
seminars were arranged on the topics of "Gospel and
Network, which is a platform for churches and NGOs
Contemporary World”，Mission and Church”，and "Social
“
concerning the situation of asylum seekers in Hong
Justice and Spirituality".
Kong. It advocates the Hong Kong Government signing
the Refugee Convention and supports organizations
providing legal aid to asylum seekers. 3. Special Sundays
And thanks to the continuous financial support
provided by CWM Nethersole Fund, the Committee and During the past year the Committee prepared
Christian Action co-organized the “Gathering Together to promotional materials for two special Sundays.
Build a House for God" program to provide refugees and Environment Sunday was observed on June 7,
asylum seekers with humanitarian aid, legal service and 2009 under the theme "Inheriting the Earth: Wealth,
shelter.
Environment and God". The material was prepared
(i) Mental Health by Christians for Eco-Concerns Group (CEC). CEC
also released an education package with 4 lessons
In the past year, the media reported several tragic on environment protection, to enhance the church's
cases of patients with mental illness, which caused education on the issue.
public concern on the issue of mental health. The
Hong Kong Sunday was held on July 5, 2009. The
committee held a seminar on the issue under the title
General Secretary of the Council prepared the sermon
“Love Your Neighbors” on July 24, 2009 so that pastors and prayer.