5
In open centres education was provided by voluntary agencies under the aegis of the UNHCR in order to provide
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(a) fluency in English;
(b)
an understanding of western culture;
(c) preparation for a vocation;
@
(a) intellectual and physical development; and
(e)
self-discipline and responsibility.
Children received an average of
Cantonese a
their
or
Cantonese
-
schooling
the
of six hours per day; one
one half with an English-speaking teacher (studying
and and music) English, health, hygiene, social studies other half with
teacher Vietnamese-speaking learning mathematics, physical education, handwork, arts and, depending on
ethnic origin,
or Vietnamese. Children over 10 spent
10 spent one hour
one hour a day on vocational training including cooking, typing, sewing, photography, general handicrafts and basic mechanics. The teacher pupil ratio was set at 1:25 and children were allotted to grades on the basis of their age and language ability.
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The Working Group on the Education of Minors in Refugee Centres
In 1983, a Working Group reviewed the provision of education for minors in open and closed centres. The Group noted that
at the programmes
the two open centres were not aimed at preparing refugee children for integration into the school system of Hong Kong or any other specific primary or
Rather they helped their integration into secondary system. Western environment on resettlement. The Working Group concluded that education in the open centre schools was satisfactory.
8
a
The Working Group recommended that closed centre schools be brought up to a standard similar to that of the open centres. Wherever possible, a suitable voluntary agency should be invited to provide education.
9
The Working Group submitted its report in October 1983 and its recommendations were accepted.
The
present provision closed refugee centres
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of education facilities in
open
and
The following voluntary agencies provide education
programmes
-
A
B
CONFIDENTIAL
XCC (87)76
Closed Centre
Tuen Mun
Hei Ling Chau
Chi Ma Wan
Voluntary Agency
Save the Children Fund
World Relief
Hong Kong Inter- national Social Services
Argyle Street
World Relief
11