HKJC pledges US$16.7m to jobs project for people with disabilities

The three-year project is expected to benefit around 3,000 people.

Hong Kong.- The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has pledged HK$130m (US$16.7m) through its Charities Trust to support an initiative aimed at improving employment prospects for people with disabilities (PWDs). The three-year the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment is expected to benefit around 3,000 PWDs, their carers and relevant professionals.

The announcement was made on Friday (May 2), during the opening of a three-day inclusive market fair to raise public awareness of inclusive employment. The initiative is supported by eight academic and non-governmental organisations, including The University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, and several rehabilitation and disability support groups.

The HKJC said: “The major components of the project include supporting PWDs from diverse backgrounds with strength-based employability assessments, so as to facilitate both employers and employees in matching relevant services and support.

“NGOs also provide the job seekers with personalised job preparation and specific vocational training. Furthermore, the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment collaborates with the Labour and Welfare Bureau to launch the ‘Caring Employer’ medal, which recognises commitment and effort from employers of different sectors in promoting and achieving inclusiveness at workplace.”

In April, the HKJC pledged HK$1.4bn (US$179.2m) through its Charities Trust to support five youth development initiatives. The initiatives include the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) JC Scheme for Youth Life Planning developed alongside the Youth Development Commission (YDC) and a new interactive space at Youth Square, which will host activities including a video production studio intended to showcase positive stories of Hong Kong youth.

Other recipients include the JC Campsite Reimagination Project focusing on redeveloping recreational campsites built between the 1960s and 1980s, a project that aims to enhance the life mobility potential of young people through a multi-stage intervention model and the JC Echoes of Love Fund, which provides long-term support for bereaved minors impacted by the loss of a parent.

See also: HKJC reopens two entertainment venues at Sha Tin Racecourse