The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited Endeavour Education Centre today (June 8) and met with the Chairman of its management committee, Mrs Rita Fan, and members of the management committee to exchange views on enhancing young people's understanding of the nation and promoting the Constitution and the Basic Law.
Mr Cheung first toured the centre to learn about how it helps young people, through the Internet and various channels as well as a wide range of activities, to enrich their knowledge of Chinese culture and history, acquire concrete understanding of the country’s development and develop a proper sense of the nation, its people and its history.
Mr Cheung said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to publicity, promotion and education on the Constitution and the Basic Law, with a view to enabling members of the public, in particular young people, to have a comprehensive, accurate and in-depth understanding of the Constitution and the Basic Law, so as to strengthen their sense of belonging to the nation and boost their national identity.
"At the same time, the Government also has high regard for enhancing young people's knowledge of the nation's history, culture and developments and achievements in different aspects to foster their sense of national identity, and raising their awareness of national security and the obligation to abide by the law."
Mr Cheung later had a meeting with Mrs Fan and members of the management committee. He thanked Endeavour Education Centre for organising a variety of activities over the years to boost young people's understanding of the motherland. He also noted that the centre has been supportive of the Government's work in promoting the Constitution and the Basic Law by, among others, organising and supporting the significant Constitution Day Seminars at which Mrs Fan and members of the management committee shared their insights with the participants as guests. The seminar held online last year was very successful, recording more than 170 000 views from various platforms.
Mr Cheung also expressed his appreciation to the centre for hosting the training sessions commissioned by the Education Bureau on the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law). The training sessions aim to equip teachers, principals and school management committee members with better knowledge of the Constitution and the Basic Law and clear up any confusion they may have on the latter, as well as address their worries on the National Security Law. This in turn will enable them to be more capable and confident in explaining the relevant contents to students.
He especially thanked Mrs Fan for designing the curriculum framework and mode of instruction, as well as arranging for local and Mainland experts to be speakers, for the "Respecting the Law, Reinforcing the Rule of Law" Teacher Training Programme. The programme systematically helps teachers understand Hong Kong's constitutional status and rule of law and deepens their understanding of values such as respect for the law and rule of law. He said he was pleased to learn that the programme has been well received among teachers.
Mr Cheung stressed that the Government would continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach in stepping up promotion and education for people from all walks of life through platforms under the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee to enhance their knowledge of the Constitution, the Basic Law and the nation. "I look forward to having the support from Endeavour Education Centre for our work, both regarding the promotion of the Constitution and the Basic Law and in raising young people's understanding of our nation," he said.
Follow this news feed: East Asia