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EDUCATION
The Evening Institute offers English courses from elementary to post-certificate of education level; teachers' classes for art, music, handwork, woodwork, physical education, modern educational dance, modern mathematics and the teaching of English; and secondary school courses leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education, both English and Chinese. A three-year post-primary extension course providing additional training with a practical bias is also available for those who do not anticipate further education at the secondary school level. Rural literacy classes and general background classes provide fundamental and elementary education with special reference to adult needs and interests. Practical back- ground education classes give adults an opportunity of learning woodwork, housecraft, sewing and knitting. Adults now have a complete educational ladder from the literacy level to post-secondary studies. The total number of classes organised under the Evening Institute is 763 in 78 locations in both urban and rural areas.
The Evening School of Higher Chinese Studies offers a three-year course in general arts leading to a diploma issued by the Education Department. Subjects taught include Chinese literature, philosophy, sociology and English language and literature. Most of the students are primary school teachers. There are 14 classes in two centres.
At the 12 Adult Education and Recreation Centres, education and recreation are combined in activities ranging from music appreciation and physical education to group study of art, photography and dramatics. These activities are expressly designed to stimulate crea- tive ability and develop individual talents and are aimed at fostering a community spirit and a sense of belonging. Two additional centres are to be opened this year.
Apart from its regular activities, the Adult Education Section has from time to time designed various schemes which aim at serving the community at large. In conjunction with the Prison Department, several classes giving instruction in general subjects with a moral and civic emphasis, and also in subjects of a practical nature, are organised for inmates at different prisons. Classes are also held at the Aberdeen Rehabilitation Centre in co-operation with the Social Welfare Department.