5. By removing as far as possible the reasons why children
may fail to attend school, it is expected that the problem of
non-attendance can be reduced to the point where legislation
could be introduced to deal with parents who wilfully deprive
their children of education.
6.
Substantial progress has been made in creating sufficient
accommodation available for children in the relevant age group.
In September 1969 there were 609,300 places in government and
subsidised schools compared with 650,000 children in the group.
By March 1971 the total number of places is expected to have
risen to 682,200. The children then likely to be of the
Felevant age are estimated to number 645,000.
7. Even if there were places in primary schools for all
children in the relevant age group it would not be possible for
them all to go on to secondary schools, since there is now
only about one secondary/secondary technical place for every
three primary places. The Hong Kong Government have recently
stepped up their programme of expanding secondary and technical
educational facilities.
8.
Whatever the Governor's personal views on the matter, it
has long been an aim of the Hong Kong Government to provide a
free primary education for all who desire it, as stated in the
1965 Hong Kong Government White Paper on education policy.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.