EdUHK Hosts ‘2024 Hong Kong Schools Speech Contest’ to Enhance Students' Understanding of the Constitution
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) held the “2024 Hong Kong Schools Speech Contest on Constitution” in October. The contest encouraged students to explore the significance of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, nurturing their respect for national legal systems, and improving their public speaking skills and confidence. The award presentation ceremony was held on 4 December, Constitution Day, at EdUHK’s North Point Study Centre.
EdUHK encourages students to participate in various constitutional learning activities to deepen their understanding of the national legal system and contribute to the prosperity and development of the country and Hong Kong. The "2024 Hong Kong Schools Speech Contest on Constitution" is one of the highlights of EdUHK's national education and national security education, with co-organisers including Hong Kong Subsidized Secondary Schools Council, Subsidized Primary Schools Council, Hong Kong Aided Primary School Heads Association, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council, Association of Principals of Government Secondary Schools, Union of Government Primary School Headmasters and Headmistresses, Association of Hong Kong Kindergarten Education Professional Exchange and Hong Kong Kindergarten Association. The judging panel consisted of Dr Henry Ho Kin-chung, Council Member of EdUHK (Chief Judge), Professor Gu Minkang, Director of the Centre for National Security and Law Education at EdUHK (Associate Chief Judge), and senior principals.
It was divided into five categories: kindergarten (parent-child), junior primary, senior primary, junior secondary and senior secondary. Participants shared their insights on the topics of “Constitution and My Growth”, “Constitution and My Life”, or “Constitution and Social Development” through a one-minute speech. Results of the contest was announced on Facebook page of the School Partnership and Field Experience Office of EdUHK.
Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, stated in the welcome speech that the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China is the fundamental law of the country and serves as the guiding principle for governance. He mentioned that the education sector has a responsibility to support educational activities for the promotion of the Constitution. He also noted that EdUHK places importance on the Constitution, the Basic Law, and National Security Education, and has consistently organized various activities to enhance students' awareness of national security and cultivate their national identity and patriotism.
Dr. Tam Wai-chu Maria, former Deputy Director of the Basic Law Committee of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and Honorary Doctor of EdUHK, explained the meanings of "law," "rule," "measure," and "regulation" in her speech, using a ruler to illustrate her points. This allowed attendees, ranging from kindergarten, primary, and secondary school students to university students, to gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) received a generous donation of HK$1 million from the Victoria Charitable Trust to support initiatives in promoting Constitution and national security education. Professor John Lee Chi-Kin and Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK, accepted the cheque at the award presentation ceremony. Ms. Christina Ting Yuk-chee, Supervisor and Founder of Causeway Bay Victoria Kindergarten and Honorary Fellow of EdUHK, was pleased to attend the ceremony on Constitution Day. She emphasized the importance of instilling the concept of patriotism from an early age.
Distinguished guests at the ceremony included: Professor Gu Minkang, Co-chair of the panel of judges of The Contest, Dr Kevin Kam Wai-keung, Director of School Partnership and Field Experience; Ms Mandy Au Yuen-yee, Associate Director of School Partnership and Field Experience; Mr Langton Cheung Yung-pong, Professional Consultant of School Partnership and Field Experience Office, and Partnership Advisors who served as panel judges: Mr Charley Chan Cheong-shun, Mr Fung Hon-yin and Mr Leung Chiu-yin as well as representatives from School Councils and Principal Associations.
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