The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) has said in a statement recently that it is necessary to consider in depth the modes and mechanisms of regulations for volunteer activities, but stressed that legislative regulations might impede the growth of volunteer services, particularly those driven by community interests.
The bureau made the remarks in a reply to a written interpellation submitted by lawmaker-cum-civic leader Ho Ion Sang last month, the reply of which was sent to the media yesterday.
Ho pointed out that in recent years, various public and private entities have been actively promoting volunteer participation in a wide range of community initiatives, spanning different fields and involving organisations with various backgrounds.
Ho said he hopes that the future government will enhance policies and legal frameworks to further develop the volunteer service system, ensuring a healthy and orderly environment for volunteer work while maximising the impact of relevant volunteer organizations.
The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) added its own remark to the reply, highlighting its ongoing efforts to encourage young students to engage in volunteer work through initiatives at the government, school, and community levels, adding that since the 2012/2013 academic year, the DSEDJ has implemented volunteer programmes targeting secondary school students, which have recently expanded to include tertiary education students, while community project activities for volunteers have been introduced as well.
To further support these initiatives, the DSEDJ said it has established a youth volunteer and community organisation human resources database and continues to promote a youth volunteer reward programme.
This undated handout photo provided by lawmaker-cum-civic leader Ho Ion Sang shows him posing in front of the Legislative Assembly building in Sai Van.
