TNAG-1673-FCO40-2321-Hong-Kong-Protection-of-Women-and-Juveniles-(Amendment)-Ordi-1987 — Page 2

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In open centres education was provided by voluntary agencies under the aegis of the UNHCR in order to provide

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(a) fluency in English;

(b)

an understanding of western culture;

(c) preparation for a vocation;

@

(a) intellectual and physical development; and

(e)

self-discipline and responsibility.

Children received an average of

Cantonese a

their

or

Cantonese

-

schooling

the

of six hours per day; one

one half with an English-speaking teacher (studying

and and music) English, health, hygiene, social studies other half with

teacher Vietnamese-speaking learning mathematics, physical education, handwork, arts and, depending on

ethnic origin,

or Vietnamese. Children over 10 spent

10 spent one hour

one hour a day on vocational training including cooking, typing, sewing, photography, general handicrafts and basic mechanics. The teacher pupil ratio was set at 1:25 and children were allotted to grades on the basis of their age and language ability.

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The Working Group on the Education of Minors in Refugee Centres

In 1983, a Working Group reviewed the provision of education for minors in open and closed centres. The Group noted that

at the programmes

the two open centres were not aimed at preparing refugee children for integration into the school system of Hong Kong or any other specific primary or

Rather they helped their integration into secondary system. Western environment on resettlement. The Working Group concluded that education in the open centre schools was satisfactory.

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a

The Working Group recommended that closed centre schools be brought up to a standard similar to that of the open centres. Wherever possible, a suitable voluntary agency should be invited to provide education.

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The Working Group submitted its report in October 1983 and its recommendations were accepted.

The

present provision closed refugee centres

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of education facilities in

open

and

The following voluntary agencies provide education

programmes

-

A

B

CONFIDENTIAL

XCC (87)76

Closed Centre

Tuen Mun

Hei Ling Chau

Chi Ma Wan

Voluntary Agency

Save the Children Fund

World Relief

Hong Kong Inter- national Social Services

Argyle Street

World Relief

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