XN000022-1973-12-15 — Page 7

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Saturday, December 15, 1973

IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY OF SCHOOL PLACES

Close Workmanlike Partnership Essential

A close and workmanlike partnership of school sponsors with

the Education Department is essential in order to meet both expansion

in the number and improvement in the quality of school places.

This was emphasised by Mr. J. Whiteley, Assistant Director of

Education (Development), at the blessing ceremony of Caritas St. Paul

Pre-vocational School in Cheung Chau this afternoon.

Since it is the government's policy to provide primary and

secondary schools through the aided sector wherever possible, the demands

upon the financial resources and educational expertise of experienced

sponsors will become increasingly more heavy.

The Caritas St. Paul Pre-vocational School is an example of

the co-operation mentioned by Mr. Whiteley. Caritas bought part of the

site and the rest was granted free by the government.

The total cost for the school portion of the building is some

$4,235,000 of which the Education Department gave $3,598,000 and Caritas

$637,000.

The recurrent costs for the school will be paid for by the

Education Department under the Unified Code.

In addition, Caritas provided from its own funds a sewing room

and a typing room. These two rooms will be used for evening classes

for girls.

There are