Press Releases

Building up social capital to face the challenges of SARS

The following is issued on behalf of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee:

The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) will offer support to community projects, to sustain the momentum and nurture the community efforts generated by the Operation UNITE started over the Easter weekend, with a view to promoting social inclusion and mutual help, Chairperson of the CIIF Committee, Dr Raymond Wu Wai-yung, announced this at a press conference today (April 22).

"The Operation UNITE, with the theme 'United We CAN', is a translation of care into action initiated by the Hong Kong people, and many groups are ready for action," said Dr Wu, who is also a member of the Operation's steering group.

He noted various non-governmental organizations, the business sectors and Government departments were doing a lot to address the immediate medical, social, physical and psychological needs of people affected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

"SARS has been affecting all of us alike. Because of SARS, we share some common fears and experiences. We now realise we are in the same boat. For better or for worse, we become more caring towards other members of the society.

"The community spirit in caring, generosity in giving and solidarity in action in response to the crisis caused by SARS must be further nurtured," Dr Wu said.

Chairperson of the Assessment Sub-Committee of the CIIF Committee, Ms Sophia Kao and other Members of the CIIF, who attended the press conference also agreed to this.

While funds raised through the Operation UNITE would support some related activities, the CIIF was to support projects with longer-term direct impact on the development of social capital, Dr Wu said.

The CIIF may support community-initiated projects which promise longer-term results, for a period up to three years..

Projects consistent with the social capital objectives of the CIIF are those that will help to mobilise sustainable mutual help networks, encourage sectoral collaboration, strengthen relationships across different strata of the society, build capacity, change our values and rebuild confidence, to help rise above this crisis.

Noting there was now much greater awareness of personal, environmental and psychological hygiene, Dr Wu commended the Hong Kong community's tremendous strength and solidarity in combating SARS.

"Every sector of the community has responded to the crisis so spontaneously. A lot of people are motivated not just to protect themselves, but to contribute to the macro well-being of the society.

"The selfless dedication of our frontline medical practitioners, the swift responses of community groups to address the immediate social needs, the patience and self-restraint of those under isolation orders or home confinement, are well illustrated in the community.

"The values exemplified through these responses to SARS -- Sacrifice, Appreciation, Reflection and Support -- are exactly the values that the CIIF seeks to promote. They are the fundamental values for building social capital," Dr Wu said.

The $300 million CIIF was introduced as a new initiative by the Chief Executive in the 2001 Policy Address to encourage mutual aid, promote community participation and encourage cross-sectoral cooperation in the community.

It was first launched for application in August 2002. Twelve projects had been approved in the first batch with an allocation of around $9 million in total.

The CIIF has been inviting second batch proposals since February, with a closing date of April 30, 2003. Applications that seek to achieve longer-term social capital benefits for communities affected by SARS, are welcome at any time.

The CIIF Committee will make assessment and approval process in a timely manner for specific proposals for this cause and with a demonstrated case.

Information on the CIIF may be found on its web site: http://www.hwfb.gov.hk/ciif/index.htm. Enquiries about the procedures and details of the application process may be directed to the CIIF Secretariat at 2189-2744 or 2189-2766.

End/Tuesday, April 22, 2003
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