Kindys, primary schools to get Xi address booklet

The Education Bureau will distribute booklets of President Xi Jinping's handover speech to schools and kindergartens today.

Each kindergarten will have seven copies. Primary schools which have 12 classes or below will be given 30 copies, and it will be 60 copies for schools that have 13 classes or more. Each secondary school and special school will be provided with 60 copies and 30 copies respectively.

ESF schools and International schools are excluded from the distribution of booklets.

The Education Bureau said it is providing schools with the booklets in view of the "great significance" of Xi's address. It added: "The bureau will provide The Address booklet for teachers of schools offering local curriculum to study and learn the key messages of President Xi's important speech, accurately comprehend the constitutional order under one country, two systems, deepen the awareness of the trends in both the country and the world, and understand the importance of Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of our country."

Heads of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools are required to arrange to collect the booklets at the education offices from today to September 15.

The booklet was published this month in Chinese and English editions by Sino United Publishing under Bauhinia Culture Holdings Ltd, a state-owned publishing house of China, but it is believed that schools will get the Chinese version.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin said Xi's speech directed the future development of Hong Kong and that the bureau will create more opportunities for young people to understand the one country, two systems principle and the development of the country.

Chu Wai-lam, vice chairman of the New Territories School Heads Association and the principal at Fung Kai No 1 Primary School in Sheung Shui, said: "We need to let students know that President Xi and the country care about Hong Kong. Xi also pinpoints the problems Hong Kong faces and ways to handle them.

"We will use the booklet well to teach students in interesting and vibrant ways."

Chu said his school will integrate the content of the booklet into moral education classes and other learning activities such as exhibitions.

Xi stated "four musts" for the new administration in his speech - fully and faithfully implement the principle of one country, two systems, uphold the central government's overall jurisdiction while securing the SAR's high degree of autonomy, ensure that Hong Kong is administered by patriots and must maintain Hong Kong's distinctive status and advantages.

Xi also raised "four hopes" for the new government - further improving its governance, continuing to create strong impetus for growth, earnestly addressing people's concerns and difficulties in livelihood, and working together to safeguard harmony and stability.