Hometown information not compulsory for school forms: Education chief

Hong Kong has no plans to require students' "native place" information, such as hometowns and places of origin, to be collected on kindergarten, primary, and secondary school registration forms, education chief Christine Choi Yuk-lin confirmed.

In response to lawmaker Lau Chi-pang’s question at today’s Legislative Council meeting, the Secretary for Education noted mixed reactions to making the “native place” field mandatory on student information forms.

“It could strengthen the feeling of belonging among the students to their homeland and boost patriotism, while others raise questions about its privacy, especially for ethnic minority students,”Choi told LegCo citing the views from society.

Hong Kong's diverse cultural landscape requires sensitivity: Choi

Choi emphasized that Hong Kong's multicultural situation demands sensitivity, therefore, the Education Bureau leaves it to schools to decide whether they would like to include such information after seeking views from parents and stakeholders concerned.

Although not required, some schools have included the "native place" field on their own and have found it beneficial to customize instruction for students based on their background, the secretary added.

Students should learn about their ancestral land

Still, the secretary agreed that students' knowledge about their ancestral land should be developed, stressing the Education Bureau has promoted this through the curriculum and activities. 

For example, Primary One humanities curriculum provides for home, hometown, and native place lessons to bring about cultural awareness. Schools organize family visits, sharing sessions, hometown excursions, and hands-on lessons.

Choi said the bureau advocates for an organic, multi-pronged approach that integrates "native place" learning naturally within everyday learning and involves filial piety and patriotism with respect for cultural diversity.

(Paris Wang)