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Editorial

A new look at education

The Young Reporter (1976, December 01), 09(04), pp. 2.
Permanent URL - https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/bujspa/purl.php?&did=bujspa0001063

In Hongkong, it seems to be commonly accepted by both the educators and the educated that the acquiring of school certificates is the sole purpose of going to schools.

This belief is both a tragic mistake and a travesty of the actual aim of education.

Undeniably, a school certificate is important to students who wish to apply for either a college place or a job. But it must be realised that no matter how good the results are, the certificate is only a symbol representing the basic education standard of the holder but not a guarantee for a college place or a job.

It is because of such misconception that when some education enthusiasts propose the idea of education for the sake of education, they are met with objections from all sides.

Szeto Wah, the chairman of several teachers’ associations in Hongkong, who proposed the reviewing of evening school syllabuses, is not the first to have made similar proposals in the hope of abolishing the examination-oriented nature of the local education system.

However, it seems that he is the first one who has shown concern for the evening students whom he claims are not so eager to acquire certificates.

For the majority of evening students, it is true that widening their knowledge rather than school certificates is the need and interest of them. Therefore Szeto’s proposal in providing language, vocational and arts appreciation courses would introduce more choices for them and are more beneficial to them.

OBSTACLES

But regretfully, such a proposal expectedly is met with all sorts of obstacles and excuses.

In carrying out the review, Szeto urges church affiliated evening schools rather than private ones to act as pioneers. It is indeed a clever suggestion for the policies of the former ones are considerably less affected by financial factors.

As most authorities of church affiliated evening schools express their support for the review, the main obstacle remains on the private evening schools.

However, if the idea is accepted by religious evening schools and proved to be successful, it may not be surprising that other private schools may also follow.

Therefore the role of church affiliated evening schools as pioneers in the review in vital.

It is only hoped that this time, the proposal can be put into reality and then the evening students can attend school for their own interest without bearing the school certificate in mind.

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