ENG-1973 — Page 118

66

Adult Education

EDUCATION

Adult education is provided by the Education Department through the adult education section in the Evening Institute, the Evening School of Higher Chinese Studies and 14 adult education and recreation centres.

The Evening Institute provides seven types of courses, which constitute the whole educational ladder for adults from literacy level to post-secondary studies. The institute runs rural literacy classes and general background classes which provide fundamental education with special reference to adult needs and interests. It also provides practical classes which give adults an opportunity to learn housecraft, sewing-knitting and woodwork. A three-year post-primary extension course providing additional training with a practical bias is also available for those who have finished primary level but do not anticipate further education at secondary level. There are two types of courses at secondary level: the middle school course for adults and the secondary school course for young people leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education (English and Chinese) examinations. The teachers' courses provide in- service additional training for teachers in art, educational dance, the teaching of English, handwork, modern mathematics, music, physical education and woodwork. In addition, there are a considerable number of English courses from elementary to post-certificate level. Altogether the Evening Institute provides 682 classes in 118 locations in both urban and rural areas.

The Evening School of Higher Chinese Studies offers a three-year course in general arts leading to a diploma issued by the Education Department. The curriculum includes post-secondary level studies in Chinese literature, philosophy, sociology and English language and literature. Most of the students are primary school teachers. There are 14 classes accommodated in two centres, one on each side of the harbour.

The 14 adult education and recreation centres are located in densely-populated districts. Activities they offer, though informally structured, incorporate both educa- tional and recreational components along the lines of community development. These activities range from music appreciation and sport to group study of art, photography and dramatics. All the organisers and supervisors of these centres have additional training in current concepts and practices of adult education, in addition to basic qualifications in teaching.

Apart from its regular activities, the adult education section has occasionally designed various schemes aimed at serving the community. In conjunction with the Prisons Department, several classes giving instruction in general subjects with a moral and civic emphasis and also in subjects of a practical nature are organised for inmates at different prisons. Classes are also held at the Aberdeen Rehabilitation Centre in co-operation with the Social Welfare Department.

Educational Television

The Educational Television Service (ETV), now in the third year of operation, is regularly received by about 330,000 children in the third, fourth and fifth years