In recent years, youth problems seemed to begin at an earlier age. It is the fact that most of the problems began to evolve since in primary schools. Without the proper solution, these problems are brought to secondary schools in which they often became worse. Therefore, 3 years ago, an experimental project known as the "Primary School Project" was carried out. A professional social worker was assigned to Kei Wa Primary School and Kei Shun Primary School of the Church of Christ in China Hong Kong Council. Its purpose was to provide supporting and developmental services to primary school students in promoting their solving problem ability and constructing an environment for their balanced and healthy growth.

A press conference was held last year after the Project has ended. Director Mr Ng Shui Lai stated that HKCS has promoted the school social work service since the 70's. It was first begun in primary schools and then in secondary schools. However, the government finally decided to replace school social work in primary school by a student guidance teacher or officer. School social workers are restricted to serve the secondary schools.

Ms Ena Yuen, Service Supervisor of Centre-Based Service, is the one who supervises the Project. She hopes that the Project can again prove the importance of primary school social workers.

According to Ms Ip Lai Kwan, the Project Officer, 60% of the served students thought the Project was helpful to them in developing problem solving skills and in controlling their emotions, 78% of the parents thought that the Project helped them in educating their children and in improving their relationships, 64% of the teachers thought that the Project improved the atmosphere at school and equipped them more skills in helping and supporting the needy students.

In conclusion, the Project seemed to work well from the clients' point of view. It is important to realize that the school social workers help primary school students to develop the problem solving skills and increase their crisis facing ability. Social workers stationed in school help to build a closer relationship with students and thus can give immediate assistance. They can also be the communicator and mediator among the students, their family members and staff of school.

Mr Ng Shui Lai emphasized that the positive responses of the Project have once again proven our belief. He stated that school social workers should assign to both primary and secondary schools to effectively prevent and solve youth problems. He also suggested that the government should review the need on school social workers and provide adequate social workers to primary schools.