TREATS Annual General Meeting Cum Volunteer Awards Presentation Ceremony
Organised by TREATS
Speech by Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, Chairperson, Equal Opportunities Commission
Carol (Ms Carol YAU, Chairperson of TREATS),
Kris (Ms Kris TONG, Executive Director of TREATS),
Volunteers and friends of TREATS,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening! It' s my great pleasure to take part in the 26th Annual General Meeting of TREATS, and celebrate with you the recognition of TREATS' volunteers.
First of all, I would like to congratulate TREATS for another year of great work and achievements. Notwithstanding the challenges brought by the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic earlier this year, TREATS rolled out initiatives after initiatives to engage children and youth of all abilities and backgrounds, to help them learn about and appreciate the value of diversity, to build self-esteem and develop their potential.
I’ve always had great delight in joining the activities of TREATS, such as the Conference on Social Inclusion and the Kin-Ball Cup – not only for the joyful experiences, but more because TREATS shares the same vision with us at the Equal Opportunities Commission, that is, to build an inclusive society for ALL.
Like TREATS, the EOC attaches great importance to the young generation, our hope and leaders of tomorrow. Over the years, the EOC has introduced various programmes for students and youth across Hong Kong, to instil in them the values of diversity, equality and inclusion, and encourage them to embrace differences and empathy. We’re especially concerned about the education of students with diverse ethnic backgrounds and special needs, whether they receive adequate support and equal access to quality education. Our drive for this cause includes researches and numerous submissions on policy recommendations.
Just barely two weeks ago, we launched our first-ever “Equal Opportunity Youth Ambassadors Scheme” for tertiary students in Hong Kong. Through a host of experiential learning activities, we’re hoping to enhance their awareness of the situation of different communities in Hong Kong, and strengthen their understanding of equal opportunities. Ultimately we’re aiming to build a team of youth ambassadors who have the vision, skills and passion to promote equal opportunity on campus and among their peers. In case you or someone you know are interested, I encourage you to submit your application. And you can find more information about the Scheme from the EOC website.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt about the importance of our young people. As President Xi Jinping mentioned in his Important Speech this July, “Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive; Hong Kong will develop only when its young people achieve well-rounded development; and Hong Kong will have a bright future only when its young people have good career prospects”. If we want to change our city and the world for the better, we must invest in young people’s positive and holistic development. And as the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”, so let us at the EOC and TREATS get our act and work closely together – to nurture a thriving generation of young people who will build a better, more inclusive Hong Kong for all.
On this note, I wish TREATS immense success in your future pursuits, and everyone happiness and good health. Thank you.