ENG-1972 — Page 111

68

Education Overseas

EDUCATION

The Students' Section of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is responsible for keeping records of all officially recommended students in the United Kingdom and for assisting them in finding places in universities and institutions of higher education. The same services are provided for nurses undergoing training in hospitals in the United Kingdom. The section also makes arrangements for students including nurses, to be met and accommodated on arrival. Thereafter, it helps them with personal and educational problems during their stay. The section maintains close relations with the Education Department in Hong Kong, the Overseas Development Administration and other British government departments, the British Council, and educational establishments and hospitals where Hong Kong students are receiving training.

There are some 4,500 students recorded by the Student Adviser, excluding government servants but including apprentices on sandwich courses and nurse trainees, undergoing a wide range of courses in the United Kingdom.

During the year, the staff of the Students' Centre made a total of 65 visits to universities, institutions of higher education and to hospitals in various parts of Britain. The Student Adviser is also Secretary of the United Kingdom Selection Board which interviews those students who wish to return to Hong Kong after graduation or on completion of training. The board recommends for appointment those students who are found suitable for administrative, professional and executive officer posts. Numerous enquiries about employment in Hong Kong led to the board meeting 12 times during the year to interview a total of 41 candidates. Most of these were found suitable for employment in various departments of the Hong Kong Government. The year also saw the introduction of a Selection Board for Hong Kong nurses who wish to work in Hong Kong Government hospitals on completion of their training. This Nurses Selection Board met on four occasions and recommended 16 nurses for appointment.

The government maintains the Hong Kong Students' Centre, formerly known as the Hong Kong House, as a residential and social centre in London for Hong Kong students in Britain. It accommodates some 75 students and serves as a focal and meeting place for many more. The Administrative Commissioner in London is responsible for the administration of Hong Kong Students Centre and is assisted in this work by an Advisory Board which includes two student representatives among its members.