ENG-1998 — Page 215

EDUCATION

To keep itself abreast of the latest developments in accreditation practices and academic standards around the world, the HKCAA maintains strong links with international and regional higher education and accreditation authorities, especially those in the Mainland. The HKCAA is an active member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, as well as other international bodies.

Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education

The Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education was set up by the government in May 1986 to promote civic awareness and responsibility in the community.

In 1998-99, it stepped up efforts in promoting various themes of civic education, ranging from respect for human rights, equal opportunities and good citizenship to instilling a sense of belonging to Hong Kong, concern for the Motherland and understanding the Basic Law.

Major activities in 1998 included an annual roving exhibition featuring the civic education themes, media campaigns including radio and television announcements in the public interest, radio and television programmes, newspaper and other forms of advertisement, various kinds of competition, and free tele-line stories to enhance public awareness of civic responsibilities, human rights, the nation and the Basic Law; a series of civic education reference materials including booklets on understanding the nation for pre-school children and parents, a cartoon booklet on children's rights for pre-school children, a CD-ROM for children on understanding the nation, a civic education package and human rights education comic booklet for youth, a pre-school children activity plan design competition and inter-school computer software design competition on understanding the nation, a television programme on civic education, and a 1999 calendar on the nation.

The committee has continued allocating resources under the Community Participation Scheme to fund civic education projects organised by non-government organisations. More programmes and activities will be planned to encourage youth participation in community affairs and to further enhance their sense of belonging to Hong Kong and China.

Commission on Youth

The Commission on Youth was established in February 1990. Its main objectives are to advise on matters pertaining to youth, initiate research, promote co-operation and improvement in the provision of youth services and serve as a liaison point with other international youth organisations for youth exchange programmes.

During the year, the commission completed a study on civic awareness and moral values of youth. The Chief Executive set this study the task of establishing how young people could take up a more active role in building up the Special Administrative Region and in voluntary work. The findings and recommendations of the study were submitted to the Chief Executive for consideration. Other studies it conducted during the year included one on the influence of mass media on youth and another on the supportive systems for young new arrivals.

The commission also organised an International Youth Exchange Programme which would enable young people to broaden their horizon and international perspective and to share ideas and experience with their counterparts overseas. In the

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