Chief Executive (CE) of Hong Kong Donald Tsang visited two
families in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong Thursday, and heard about the
hardships they faced.
The Government will offer assistance to people in need,
including single-parent families and new arrivals, Tsang said
during the visit. He also called on those who are emotionally
disturbed by family problems to seek help early.
Tsang first visited a six-member family which consists of a
couple, their two young children, and the husband's mother and
younger sister. The family lived on social security until 2005 when
the wife, who had come to Hong Kong four years ago, found a job.
She then quit the social security net with her husband and
children.
She told Tsang that when she first arrived, she faced a lot of
pressure including adjustment and financial problems, and the
burden of caring for her mother-in-law, husband and children.
However, she said the counseling and support services social
workers provided had helped her move ahead during those difficult
times.
She will continue lead a proactive life, she told the Chief
Executive.
"I really appreciate her positive attitude to strive for
self-reliance despite the family and livelihood problems, and that
she chose to work rather than continue to rely on social security.
She is indeed an exemplary mother," Tsang said.
Then Tsang visited a single mother and her young daughter. Faced
with financial difficulties, the mother has to care for her
daughter who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Apart from their emotional support, social workers have catered to
the family's financial, child-care and housing needs.
The mother is grateful to social workers for helping her know
how to better deal with children with behavioral problems and in
improving her living.
Tsang said he understood the pressure on a single mother having
to look after a child in need of special care, and encouraged her
to adopt a positive attitude in facing the problem.
"The Government will continue to provide resources and services
to look after the developmental needs of children requiring special
care," he added.
Tsang commended the self-reliance and perseverance the two
families demonstrated, adding they are not alone in facing
problems.
(Xinhua News Agency January 27, 2006)