XN000022-1996-05-22 — Page 25

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I do not subscribe to the views of Mr Lo and Mr Lau that there is a colonial shadow to be cast off in order to properly prepare Hong Kong's young people for the challenges of the twenty-first century and Hong Kong's future as a Special Administrative Region of China. The values I have outlined the significance of the rule of law, respect for human rights and the importance of participating in public affairs- these are not colonial anachronisms with no place in a modern society. Hong Kong is uniquely placed as a cosmopolitan and pluralist society to educate our children through a blend of Chinese and Western values offering both an international outlook and a deep respect for Chinese traditions and culture.

Several Members of this Council were involved in establishing these values through the Charter on Youth promulgated by the Commission on Youth in 1993. The Charter enunciates the principles and ideals on youth development and provides a reference point for all parties involved. Much emphasis is placed on the importance of fostering in our young people social responsibility, high moral values and a positive attitude towards life, to develop in them the ability to think independently, and to understand the role they play in a free and democratic society. These values were reaffirmed in the first biennial review of the Charter last year and will provide the direction for all involved in promoting civic awareness among young people.

A substantial part of the resources and efforts of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education are devoted to this task. The injection of an additional $20m to be spent over the three years, 1995-97, and the setting up, last year, of a dedicated education unit, have enabled the Committee to embark on a number of far- reaching and ambitious projects aimed at young people. Building on the experience gained in 1993 with its first teaching kits for young people on human rights and the rule of law, the Committee launched its Human Rights Education teaching kit for Children last year. The response from schools and community groups has been very encouraging with over 400 teachers and community leaders participating in the introductory seminars. In the coming months, the Committee will release further instalments of the teaching kit together with new packages for pre-school children and youths. It will co-operate with the ICAC on a new campaign entitled "Towards Good Citizenship".

A major theme in these activities is to promote the Basic Law to young people. We shall be producing a video based on the 65-episode TV programme 'Know more about the Basic Law' aired on television last year for distribution to schools. Basic Law teaching materials will also be launched, including a story book for children, a pictorial booklet for young people and the production of a CD Rom on the Basic Law.