ENG-1954 — Page 128

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954

In 1953, 16 graduate teachers were awarded Diplomas in Education by the University and 138 students from training colleges became certificated teachers on probation. If recruitment succeeds in filling the existing institutions to normal capacity and no wastage occurs, the maximum number of teachers who will be trained each year in full-time professional courses will be 220. Part-time training is being given to 280 practising teachers through special urban and rural courses of training.

The Professional Teachers' Training Board set up last year has continued its policy of integrating the teacher training facilities of Government and the University. The work of the Board has covered such subjects as exchange of information concerning training courses, the most efficient use of the facilities of the University and Government, the provision of profes- sional assistance to students, and refresher courses and higher courses of training.

The Education Department maintains two libraries; a reference library, from which teachers may borrow books, and a textbook library at the Northcote Training College. The University of Hong Kong possesses an English and a Chinese library, but membership is restricted. The British Council and the United States Information Service libraries cover a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books and are open to the general public. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce has a library consisting mainly of commercial publications. The Junior Chamber of Commerce has been very active in establishing libraries for children in schools and welfare centres. It is expected that provision will be made for a public library in the new City Hall when this is erected.

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