ENG-1996 — Page 196

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 1995–96, 824 students received loans totalling $5.8 million; of these, 805 also received grants totalling $5.1 million.

Joint Funding Scheme for Hong Kong Students in the United Kingdom

This is a means-tested scheme providing financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to eligible Hong Kong students studying first degree or Higher Diploma courses in the UK. The scheme is being phased out starting from 1994-95. In 1995-96, grants of £600,000 and loans of $1.4 million were made to 174 students.

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 jointly by the British Government and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (on behalf of the Hong Kong Government). Two new scholarships were awarded in 1995–96. The scheme is being phased out starting from 1996–1997.

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 $11.3 million in 1995-96.

Fourteen students, including one disabled student, were awarded new fellowships for postgraduate or scholarships for undergraduate study overseas. Forty-four postgraduate students received fellowships while 82 undergraduate, diploma and certificate students received scholarships to study locally. Awards were also made to three students excelling in public examinations; 22 disabled students at secondary, post-secondary and tertiary levels; and 682 outstanding senior secondary students nominated by school heads.

Other Scholarship and Assistance Schemes

Other scholarship and assistance schemes for school students are endowed by private benefactors. Many scholarships are administered by the Student Financial Assistance Agency under the Education Scholarships Fund Ordinance.

Educational Institutions

Kindergartens

In September 1996, 180 800 children, most of them aged three to five, were enrolled in 734 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 has, since 1995, required kindergarten teachers to possess a minimum qualification of having