The $300 million Child Development Fund will be in full swing next month, benefiting at least 13,600 disadvantaged children aged 10 to 16.

Speaking at the fund's launch today Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said it will capitalise on the strengths of various sectors in the community to help disadvantaged children.

A total of 750 children will join the first batch of seven pioneer projects operated by non-governmental organisations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon East, Kowloon West, the New Territories East, New Territories West, Tin Shui Wai and Tung Chung.

The seven projects are operated by six non-governmental organisations - Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Christian Action, Industrial Evangelistic Fellowship, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Federation of Youth Groups and Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council.

Participating organisations will identify a mentor for each participating child. The mentors will assist the children in drawing up their personal development plans and setting targets relating to education, vocational training or skill upgrading. The fund has set aside $15,000 for each child for training programmes.

The children are also encouraged to attain a savings target of $200 per month in the first two years. Non-governmental organisations will seek partnership from the business sector or individual donors to provide at least a 1:1 matching contribution.