The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong (BGCA) upholds the vision of "Nurture the Young, Create the Future " and is committed to providing holistic services to children and youth to support their wellbeing and growth. After the Financial Secretary released the 2024-25 Budget on 28 February, we are pleased to see policies aimed at promoting the steady development of the local economy, strengthening confidence in various sectors, seizing opportunities, promoting development, and also caring for the community and creating a friendly environment for the growth of our children and youth. Here are some of our thoughts: 

Pay attention to youth mental health and create emotional support spaces

BGCA is pleased to see the government attach great importance to the wellbeing of our citizens and the improvement of public healthcare service and patient experience. However, in response to the rise of psychological distress among young people and a shortage of mental health professionals, BGCA recommends the development of relevant services across districts and the adoption of the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism. On the one hand, this provides youth with spaces where they can relax and destress and where social workers and counsellors can provide early intervention, thereby reducing stress on the supply of mental health professionals. On the other hand, this can also support local schools by providing evaluation and short-term solutions to reduce the workload of teachers and social workers, thus contributing to suicide prevention and emotional support goals.

Allocate sufficient resources to ensure the effective implementation of mandatory reporting

In order to relieve child care pressures on parents and free up the labour force, we are pleased to see the government increase the number of subsidised independent child care centres, expand After School Care Centres for Pre-primary Children to the whole territory in phases, and provide child care training through the “Women Empowerment Fund”. At the same time, the Legislative Council is currently reviewing the "Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill". BGCA urges the government to ensure sufficient support services and manpower before implementing regulations to ensure that child abuse cases can be handled appropriately and prevent their neglect due to insufficient resources. BGCA firmly believes that only by investing sufficient resources, from early prevention to report processing and follow-up, can we weave a comprehensive and effective child protection safety net for children.

Invite various sectors to pave the way for youth development

Youth are the future of Hong Kong: "When our youth thrive, Hong Kong thrives." BGCA supports the government's focus on their development and the organisation of the "Youth Development Summit" in the middle of the year, where overseas groups will be invited to participate in mutual learning on youth issues and to find ways to develop their future.

Promote vocational education to diversify career development of youth with special learning needs

Vocational and professional educational training (VPET) equip young people with the knowledge and skills, including crucial soft skills, they need for their future, helping unleash their potential and cultivating Hong Kong’s labour force. BGCA is pleased to see the government’s continued support for VPET promotion and student exchange activities. We recommend the further strengthening of support for students with special learning needs, from school to the workplace, and encourage employers to provide on-the-job learning and more.

Ensure that the Productivity Enhancement Plan does not affect the livelihood of the grassroot

The government has directed every bureau and department to reduce recurrent expenditure by 1% annually for the next two financial years, and to further reduce it by another 1% in 2026-27. Despite their promise that the implementation of the "Productivity Enhancement Plan" will not affect programmes such as Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and Social Security Allowance, cuts to recurrent welfare expenditure will still prevent some grassroot and disadvantaged groups from receiving appropriate services. BGCA urges the government to ensure that the "Productivity Enhancement Plan" is implemented without affecting existing frontline services to ensure that the livelihood and welfare of grassroot and vulnerable people stay protected.