XN000022-1995-07-26 — Page 39

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27.

Civic education for young people

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Conrad Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

A recent research report reveals that young people in the territory are far less concerned about politics, people's livelihood and social issues than their counterpart in Guangzhou and Beijing. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

હ

(c)

(d)

of the main reasons for the apathy of young people in the territory towards political and social affairs;

of the achievements by the Government in the field of civic education over the years; and what criteria have been adopted to assess the achievements in civic education in the past;

whether the Government will review the present policy on, civic education and its direction; if so, when the review will be conducted; if not, why not; and

Whether the Government will enhance the civic education provided to young people; if so, what specific methods will be adopted and when they will be implemented; if not, why not?

Answer:

Mr President,

Hong Kong has many committed and dedicated young people who actively participate in political and community activities. However, as the research report and our own studies reveal, there is also a tendency among young people in Hong Kong to take for granted the freedoms that they enjoy.

Over the last decade, the Government, through the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE), has placed great emphasis on promoting the concepts of the rule of law, representative government and human rights. Our success in developing political awareness in young people is illustrated by the fact that some 70 per cent of those aged between 18 and 20 have registered as voters.