ENG-1995 — Page 178

EDUCATION

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Student Finance Assistance Scheme

Loans and grants are awarded to eligible full-time students of Hong Kong Shue Yan College. In 1994–95, 812 students received loans totalling $6.5 million; of these, 789 also received grants totalling $4.5 million.

United Kingdom-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme

Under this scheme, the British and Hong Kong governments help Hong Kong students undertaking first degree or Higher National Diploma courses in the UK. The scheme is means-tested and provides assistance in the form of grants and loans to eligible students. In 1994–95, grants of £1.76 million and loans of $4.1 million were made to 560 students. With the expansion of tertiary education in Hong Kong, the scheme is being phased out over three years starting from 1994-95.

United Kingdom-Hong Kong Scholarships Scheme

This scheme aims to help outstanding students from Hong Kong to pursue tertiary education in the UK. The scholarship fund is financed equally by the British Government and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, on behalf of the Hong Kong Government. Eight scholarships were awarded in 1994-95.

Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund

The fund was established to manage public donations made in memory of the late Governor, Sir Edward Youde, who died in service in 1986. It promotes education and learning among Hong Kong people, and encourages research. It disbursed $9.3 million in 1994-95. Twelve students were awarded fellowships or scholarships for postgraduate or undergraduate study overseas. Of this figure, one scholarship was awarded to a disabled student. Locally, 44 postgraduate students were awarded fellowships; and 77 undergraduate, diploma and certificate students received scholarships. Awards were also made to three students excelling in public examinations; eight disabled students at secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels; and 698 outstanding senior secondary students nominated by school heads.

Other Scholarship and Assistance Schemes

In addition to the above, there are other scholarship and assistance schemes for school students, endowed by private benefactors. Many scholarships are administered by the Student Financial Assistance Agency under the Education Scholarships Fund Ordinance.

Schools and Kindergartens

Kindergartens

In September, 180 317 children, most of them aged three to five, were enrolled in 731 kindergartens. Most kindergartens operate two half-day sessions, but the number offering whole-day places is increasing.

The Education Department gives professional advice to kindergartens through inspection visits; produces curriculum materials; and organises seminars, workshops and exhibitions to help heads and teachers develop their professional skills. It also publishes guidelines to help teachers organise curriculum and learning activities.

To improve the quality of kindergarten education, the government introduced two new regulatory requirements during the year. First, the minimum qualification for