Thanks to the cultural tradition of Chinese people, most citizens of Hong Kong have high regards towards the value of the family. They aspire to the happiness that comes from heartfelt steady and harmonious family relationships, built upon shared lifelong commitments and even with self-sacrifice together with their second half in daily family lives. This is also what many young men and women who are preparing for marriage dream for: a harmonious family. However, achieving fulfillment in married life today is a task somewhat more complex than the old days. Now, child bearing and early childhood education is not a role mainly reserved for wives but also for husbands. Family harmony is to be achieved through partnership in an equal footing, which implies unity in diversity. It is the common good of the family that involves everyone therein. This objective requires time consuming communication, mutual appreciation and acceptance, and of course, this is easily said than done.

Today, due to the divorce rate in Hong Kong is comparable to that of many other countries, it is clear that many people in married life are not sufficiently prepared to walk faithfully with their spouses on this pathway towards the noble goal of family unity. Living in a social context where the individualistic mentality reigns supreme, family unity tends to be easily shaken. It is therefore, an urgent task for family agencies like CMAC is to look into ways and harness necessary resources to help couples who find the weight of their caring role for the next generation hard to bear. Needless to say, if they were to consider caring also for their elderly at home, the task will be daunting.

But what if the whole idea of marriage and family is put into question by some western countries that overemphasize the need for transgender education in the primary and secondary schools? Thank God, in Asia until present, cultural values on sex roles and moral behaviors are still strongly kept and defended by many. This is an area so precious for mental, spiritual and social development of our young generation that all institutions whether they be families, schools, social welfare agencies, governments and religions should show their concern and support.

Having said that, healthy and proper sex education in the family should be effectively introduced. Parents’ role models as being loving, empathic and optimistic are to be built up for nourishing children’s healthy growth. On the whole, prevention is always better than cure.

I am more than happy to know that CMAC has already been offering relevant services in this area for years through its professional staff and its volunteers. Therefore, I thank all of you for your dedication to your lofty goals and programs. CMAC is doing its best also in collaboration with other institutions and professions like kindergartens, schools, government departments and the media. You have been making use of modern means to reach out to different age groups who tend to spend time browsing their favorite websites.

For the many other important area of family services and creative projects not mentioned above and your commitment to the welfare of all families in Hong Kong, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

May God bless all of our staff and volunteers and your valuable works in Hong Kong! May the many couples and target groups that receive your services see the beam of hope from your professional help!

* The English translation is prepared by HKCMAC for reference purpose.