1. Julitta Li (17) Erica Liu (18)

2. What is poverty?? Poverty – have a difficult condition which people cannot afford basic daily needs. widest income inequality

3. Current situation in Hong Kong From the News: - 850000 people in poverty in 2009 - weak economic and employment conditions - government strategy on alleviating poverty was not working -Gross domestic product had grown while poverty had worsened

4. Table from report

5. Current situation in Hong Kong Cheapest form of housing – cage homes

6. Factors contributing to the widening wealth gap 1.Transformation of economy 2. 1997 Asian financial crisis  economic recession till 2003 3. Capitalist city – free market principle  imbalance allocation of resources 4. Mainland immigrants via cross-border marriage

7. CASE - Tin Shui Wai ““ Social time bomb”” i.Highest poverty rate ii.High rate of domestic violence iii. High rate of child abuse ** 60% of residents are recent immigrants Vicious cycle TIN SHUI WAI

8. Problems arise Social and economic challenges LEADS TO  Intergenerational poverty (Poverty induced by the socially or economically challenged background of a person’s parents.). Constrained development of children.. Facing difficulties into adulthood.

9. The Government has done…. 1.Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme AIM : provide subsidy to poor  meet daily needs BUT… ~ only lessen no. of citizens below breadline ~ not narrowing the wealth gap

10. The Government has done…. 2. Distance Support Scheme (Distance Cash Assistant) AIM:: provide subsidies for children’s development needs BUT… ~ not sufficient subsidies ($1500/month) ~ narrow scoop of subsidized items

11. Citizens’ concern Hot debate on minimum wage legislation Minimum wage may set below $20 HAHAHA !! Ridiculous Tommy Cheung, Legislative Councilor-elect of the Catering Functional Constituency

12. Our suggestions – LONG term measures – 1.Education and Training ~ Equipped workers have a better paying- career 2.Implementation of the social enterprises programme ~ More job opportunities will be provided

14. Conclusion Hong Kong has the extreme disparity between the rich and the poor. Government SHOULD :: More efforts on business sector Allocate more public money and resources on social welfare Provide adequate support to the poor