The New Dawn Project will continue to operate in its existing mode and no change will be made for the time being, Social Welfare Advisory Committee Chairman Wilfred Wong says.

The committee today discussed the results of an evaluation study on the employment-assistance programme implemented by the Social Welfare Department.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Wong said the participants, their family members and children, employers and operating agencies all gave positive feedback on the project.

Most of the participants said the project enhanced their initiative to seek employment. The programme also helped them overcome barriers to employment and improved their skills.

Better lives

Participants' family members felt that engagement in work has no negative impact on their relationship and the increased income improved their life quality.

The study also made a number of recommendations, including gradually increasing the level of sanction against those who refuse to participate in the project, enhancing job skill training, increasing working hours and changing the age limit of the youngest child of the participants.

The Government will study the recommendations and review the project. It will consult the committee again with a view to providing more appropriate support services to employable single parents and child carers.