The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the Elderly Commission (EC) held an Elder Academy (EA) Appreciation and Award Ceremony this afternoon (April 30) to thank organisations and individuals for their support for the EA Scheme and commend outstanding elderly learners. Some 200 participants attended the ceremony.
Addressing the ceremony, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that the EA Scheme aims to promote active ageing, as well as encourage the elderly to pursue lifelong learning and integration into the community. Maintaining a positive attitude and leading an engaged life are conducive to both the physical and mental wellness of the elderly. The 2023 Policy Address announced that the Government would inject an additional $80 million to support the sustainable development of the EA Scheme for the benefit of more elderly persons.
The Chairman of the EC, Dr Donald Li, thanked the organisations and individuals for their generous donations and support. The Scheme provides diversified study courses for the elderly, and the EAs in post-secondary institutions help realise elderly persons' dreams of attending university. At the same time, the Scheme fosters intergenerational and community harmony through cross-generational activities.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; former Chairmen of the EC, namely Dr Edward Leong and Dr Lam Ching-choi; and the Chairperson of the Committee on EA Development Foundation (EADF), Ms Maggie Chan. Representatives of supporting organisations and convenors of EA Clusters across districts also attended. Supporting organisations and outstanding participants were presented with certificates of appreciation and various awards respectively while a cross-generational Chinese orchestra and a tai chi fan volunteer team put on performances to showcase elderly people's vitality and talents.
Members of the EC and the Committee on EADF, representatives of EAs, EA elderly learners as well as their families and friends, senior and young volunteers and Golden Guides also attended the ceremony.
The EA Scheme was jointly launched by the LWB and the EC in 2007 to enable the elderly to learn in a school setting. Currently, there are about 200 EAs in primary, secondary and post-secondary institutions across the territory. The Scheme is expected to provide around 15 000 learning places in 2024-25, offering more courses and activities catering for the interests and needs of the elderly.
The EA Scheme's website (www.elderacademy.org.hk) has been enhanced with the details of the Scheme and the list of the supporting organisations.
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