Your voice: Hong Kong government should listen to students and teachers; the loneliness of Covid’s fifth wave (short letters)
- One student writes about Russia’s attack on Ukraine and its devastating impacts
- Another reader expresses their support for the city’s cleaners, who have faced more danger during the coronavirus pandemic
The Hong Kong government recently announced that summer break would come early so that schools could be used for testing, vaccination and quarantine centres. Photo: APHave something to say? Send us a letter using this Google form.
Listen to students and teachers
The government should not close schools for compulsory Covid-19 testing.
The decision is hasty and illogical. Since most students already stay at home for classes, school campuses would be available to serve as testing, isolation and vaccination venues.
Online lessons should be used to reduce Covid-19’s impact on our education. Remote learning helps us maintain a healthier lifestyle as it requires us to stick to a schedule.
An early summer break puts teachers under great stress as this disrupts their planning. Worse still, they have to spend extra time rescheduling tests and activities. The government should listen to educators and students before rushing into decisions.
Nancy Gong Xin-yue, Catholic Ming Yuen Secondary School
Hong Kong’s plan to move summer break doesn’t make sense
End the war and suffering
When Russia invaded Ukraine, the atmosphere felt like the end of an era.
Regardless of Russia’s reasons, invading a sovereign country by force is a violation of the principles of international relations based on the UN Charter.
Over the past few days, news about the war has flooded the internet: ruins, gunfire and refugees. The US and European Union are among countries that have placed sanctions on Russia to limit the country’s access to capital.
Ukraine’s wounds have saddened many. These sufferings have awakened a lot of people around the world.
I hope the war ends as soon as possible, so people can return to their normal, peaceful lives.
Noki Wong, Fung Kai No 1 Secondary School
A million refugees have fled Ukraine in seven days
Provide support for city’s cleaners
I am writing in response to “Hong Kong cleaners educate students on responsible waste disposal” (Young Post, February 28).
Few people respect and care about cleaners. People usually just dump their trash, even if some waste may be harmful. Unfortunately, the work of cleaners is much worse during the pandemic.
The government should put more effort into educating the public about responsible rubbish disposal, and provide support to the city’s cleaners.
During the pandemic, cleaners have a high risk of being infected. However, they receive no extra pay and must use their savings to purchase supplies. The government should provide free protective equipment and financial support to them.
Chow Chun-fai, STFA Leung Kau Kui College
How to be more empathetic to the city’s cleaners
Hoping this wave ends soon
This wave of Covid-19 is tough. Our mental and physical health is deteriorating. Given the lack of space in most homes in Hong Kong, we cannot exercise at home.
Staying home all the time can trigger more conflicts too. Everyone is worried about how long the pandemic will last and whether our work or education will be affected.
I suffer from insomnia more often. This makes me quite lethargic, and I sometimes lose my motivation when I wake up.
I hope to go outside, have face-to-face lessons, and exercise with my friends soon.
Fion Chow Wing-lam, STFA Leung Kau Kui College
Ways to stay busy when you’re stuck at home
How to be alone but not lonely
With Hong Kong’s latest outbreak keeping most of us at home, it is time we learn how to be comfortably alone.
I like spending time with friends, but social activities can be exhausting. Being alone recharges me. I often go out by myself whenever I’m feeling down. I adore the peacefulness I feel when I go out alone.
The first step of being alone is to realise you are worthy of love. Getting comfortable with yourself is an exercise in figuring out what you want to do because no one is asking you to compromise.
It may feel like the worst times will never end, but we can take the chance to become more independent and learn how to listen to our inner voices. There is nothing more satisfying than realising you had a fascinating day all by yourself.
Erica Mok, Valtorta College
How to beat cabin fever if you’re stuck inside
We must preserve city’s history
I am writing to share my perspective on the construction of the Tuen Ma Line. Some citizens enjoy the scenery along the tracks, but some maintain that the line is inconvenient.
The Tuen Ma Line will destroy the culture and history of Kowloon City. Sung Wong Toi is one of the stations on the line. The area has witnessed Hong Kong’s historical changes and development. Many artefacts dating back to the Song dynasty were unearthed there, too.
The Tuen Ma Line was not wisely built, and it does not benefit all of Hong Kong’s residents. Hopefully, the government will make more thoughtful decisions in
the future.
Angelina Hu, Hong Kong and Kowloon Chiu Chow Public Association Secondary School