Kaifong associations

Kaifong associations (Chinese: 街坊會) or kaifong welfare associations (Chinese: 街坊福利會) are traditional mutual aid organizations which emerged in Hong Kong in 1949. They were set up with the help of Secretariat for Chinese Affairs of the British colonial government. The term Kaifong (街坊) refers to people living in the same neighbourhood, and kaifong associations mainly aimed at serving the residents of specific neighbourhoods.

The main purpose was to provide low cost or free services in areas such as education and health care for the many refugees from China. After 1958 the government tried to use the kaifong associations to communicate with the local population. In 1960, kaifong associations extended their services to areas such as legal support or environmental protection.

After the introduction of the District Offices in 1969, the importance of kaifong associations declined. Nevertheless, many kaifong associations are still active today.

List of Kaifong associations in Hong Kong

• Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association
• Chai Wan Resettlement Kaifong Welfare Association
• Cheung Sha Wan Kaifong Welfare Association
• Chuk Yuen Cottage Area Kaifong Welfare Advancement Committee
• Mongkok Kaifong Association
• Tai Hang Sai Kaifong Welfare Association
• Tsim Sha Tsui Kaifong Welfare Association
• Wang Tau Hom Resettlement Kaifong Welfare Association
• Yaumati Kaifong Welfare Advancement Association
• Sham Shui Po Kaifong Welfare Advancement Association

References

• The Kaifong Associations and the Society of Hong Kong. Aline K. Wong 1972 ISBN 0-89986-042-7
• Society and Politics in Hong Kong. Lau Siu-kai 1982.