The second phase of the Rule of Law Education (ROLE) Stars Train-the-Leaders (TTL) Programme was officially launched today (July 6) by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to continue its efforts in enhancing the promotion of rule of law education in the community on all fronts. The two-day foundation course of the Programme provides training to about 120 trainees, who are local secondary school teachers, about knowledge on the rule of law in a diversified, interactive, interesting, down to earth and easy-to-understand manner, to enhance their capability for and effectiveness of the promotion of consistent and correct messages relating to the rule of law to students, young people and other stakeholders of the education sector.
The second phase of the TTL Programme is one of the DoJ's policy initiatives of "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address". With reference to the successful experience gained from the first phase of the TTL Programme and with the continued support from the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education and its working groups, the DoJ launched the first event under the second phase of the Programme, which is the foundation course for local secondary school teachers who are mainly responsible for teaching courses of subjects related to the rule of law, the Constitution, national security education, and citizenship and social development.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, delivered opening remarks for the event this morning, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, also attended the event. Mr Lam also gave a lecture on the topic of "Rule of law and our legal system". He elaborated to the trainees on the essence of the rule of law concept, presented an overview on Hong Kong's legal and judicial systems, and explained to them the relationship between the rule of law and the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and "one country, two systems".
Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and Member of the Legislative Council Ms Starry Lee, took part in the Programme as a speaker again this year to explain to the trainees about the Mainland legal system and the functions of the NPC and state institutions. Interactive discussions, and question-and-answer exchange sessions were held throughout the whole-day programme, enabling the trainees to ask questions, share their views, and have a better understanding of what they have learned.
Mr Lam said he hoped that this Programme would enhance teachers' understanding of the rule of law and the common law system in Hong Kong, as well as their knowledge in the Constitution and different laws such as the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, in order to build their confidence in teaching the relevant content in the future. He said that rule of law education and education on cultivating a sense of national identity have to be developed in parallel to complement each other, so as to nurture students' proper concepts of the rule of law, and instill their sense to respect and abide by the rule of law on the basis of the country's Constitution and Hong Kong's Basic Law. Teachers also have to lead by example to effectively teach rule-of-law related values to their students. He also expressed his gratitude to the Education Bureau for its assistance in recruiting about 120 secondary school teachers for the Programme.
The second day event of the TTL Programme and its graduation ceremony will be held on July 13. Certificates will be presented to trainees who have completed the two-day foundation course of the second phase of the TTL Programme.
The second phase of the TTL Programme also comprises an advance course focusing on the practice of the rule of law. Trainees who have completed the first phase of the TTL Programme will be arranged to visit law enforcement agencies and participate in mock court activities to gain a first-hand experience of the practice of the rule of law, and to strengthen their understanding of criminal justice process. Trainees who completed both activities will be presented a certificate of the advance course of the TTL Programme. The first visit activity will be held at the end of July, while other activities will be rolled out by stages in the second half of 2024.
For more details on the TTL Programme and other information relating to the promotion and training on the rule of law, please visit the dedicated website at www.role-ttl.gov.hk.
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