A district cyber centre pilot scheme has been launched to help young people from low-income families access information and communications technology and online services.

The initial stage will support 14 centres providing about 250 computers, Internet connectivity, computing facilities, training programmes and technical support to serve the needy communities.

A laptop library will be established with about 250 laptop computers for loan to the public in the initial phase. The pilot scheme will cover Sha Tin, Tai Po, Yuen Long, Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, North, Islands, Eastern, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin and Wan Chai. Click here for details.

The scheme has been implemented by the District Cyber Centres Alliance formed by the Cyberport Management Company, the Council of Social Service and the Internet Professional Association. They will jointly enhance the capacity of existing and new district-based cyber centres that join the scheme by enhancing their branding, co-ordination and support network.

At today's opening ceremony, Financial Secretary John Tsang said the alliance will help form a focal point of financial donation, technology and expert knowledge, rendering more sustainable sponsorship and support to social service organisations and district cyber centres.

"This will provide more effective and better quality services to those in need," he said, hoping the alliance will perfect its operation and services to attract more centres to join at a later stage.

Statistics last year showed nearly 75% of Hong Kong households had personal computers at home while 95% of them also had Internet access. However, only 37% of families earning less than $10,000 a month had personal computers at home, so there is room for improvement in information and communications technology usage in some community groups.

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer has sponsored $4.7 million for the pilot scheme's initial phase, while the alliance has secured commercial sponsorship of a similar amount of $4.7 million in cash and in kind including technical support, hardware and software, and volunteer service.