The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign:
Organised by the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign (CROTC), the Salute to Teachers 2023 – Teachers' Day and Commendation Certificate Presentation Ceremony was held today (September 14). The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, officiated at the ceremony and paid tribute to more than 1 500 teachers, the second-highest number on record, for their dedication to the teaching profession this year.
The Chairman of the CROTC, Mr So Ping-fai, expressed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the teachers. They combined face-to-face and online teaching, and organised extra-curricular activities, during the epidemic to cater for students' learning and developmental needs. He also thanked the Central Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for showing love and care to the youth. He said he is confident that the HKSAR Government and the education sector will jointly enhance the education system and lay a solid foundation for the next generation so that they will be proud of their identity and have a global outlook.
Dr Choi expressed gratitude to all the teachers for nurturing talents selflessly with dedication. She said that a good teacher not only possesses professional teaching competencies and commitment to nurturing students, but also aspiration and beliefs, high moral standards and noble virtues, extensive knowledge and benevolence. They should strive for continuous self-advancement to enhance professional capacity such that students could be nurtured with correct moral values. Recently, President Xi Jinping gave a reply letter to Hong Kong students, especially encouraging students to "strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country and sharpen their skills and abilities". Whether the younger generation could make contributions to building an even better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation would hinge on teachers' support and guidance to lay a solid foundation for students' learning.
Dr Choi stressed that the Education Bureau is committed to supporting the professional development of teachers by providing systematic training for all teachers, enhancing the training requirements for promotion of teachers, and supporting teachers in enhancing professionalism and capability to address the needs of different duties at different positions. Various opportunities for overseas exchange, Mainland study tours and field visits are also arranged for teachers to gain first-hand understanding of the country and its latest development, and broaden their horizons. She said she hopes that teachers will seize the opportunity to actively participate in professional development programmes and strive for excellence in their professional journey.
Organised by the CROTC in its 28th year, the Teachers' Commendation Scheme aims to foster a culture of respect for teachers. Secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools may each nominate two teachers who have shown commitment and excellence in teaching. Over 36 000 teachers have been commended.
Other officiating guests at the ceremony today included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong; and the Chairperson of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals, Professor Alvin Leung. A total of around 1 500 people, comprising principals, teachers and other guests, participated in the event.
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