Your Voice: Eliminating exams, struggles of ethnic minorities (short letters)

Recently, eleven per cent of Hong Kong’s public junior schools announced they would eliminate exams and tests for Primary One pupils. The decision has sparked a debate about the future of education and the approach schools should take.

This is a big step towards making education more about the child and less about the tests. This change shows that people realise that early education should be more about feelings and making friends, not just about studying. Without exams, schools can focus on making kids love learning, being creative and thinking for themselves, which are essential for doing well in life.

Studies show that these high-pressure tests often don’t show what a child can do, and it can cause them stress. It would be better for schools to use tests that help kids learn and improve and give them helpful feedback.

It’s time for schools to explore more comprehensive assessment methods. Instead of relying solely on high-pressure tests, schools should consider evaluating students based on their progress over time and their learning process. This approach provides a more accurate understanding of a student’s performance.

Jason Liu, Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School

I am writing to express my concern about the rights and well-being of ethnic minorities in our society. Ethnic minorities often struggle to communicate effectively due to the language barrier, which poses significant obstacles in their daily lives.

This long-standing and complicated issue calls for immediate attention and action.

Project helps Hong Kong’s migrant workers tell their stories

By resolving language barriers, we can give ethnic minorities a fair and equal chance to succeed. Creating mutually beneficial solutions is essential. We must implement programmes offering language support and education to help bridge the communication gap.

Our collective responsibility is to address this issue and ensure that ethnic minorities have equal access to education and other opportunities.

By addressing the language barrier, we can rectify the root cause of their challenges and pave the way for a more inclusive society.

He Hua, Hong Kong Taoist Association Tang Hin Memorial Secondary School

I was at the Hong Kong Central Library recently and could not stop marvelling at the number of books available.

There is so much knowledge at my fingertips waiting to be unleashed, yet I spend my days fixated on grades and cramming for DSE. So much time is wasted on meaningless and mindless online scrolling, yet these books are left to collect dust.

Why doesn’t society embrace the habit of reading? Perhaps we are too occupied by our obligations. We have left too little space for our souls to experience such unadulterated joy.

Needless to say, reading is the most beneficial activity for us, physically and mentally. A recent UK neuroscience research report has shown that reading fiction for merely five minutes helps reduce stress by 20 per cent. Another 2023 study from the University of Liverpool shows that 43 per cent of readers agree that reading improves sleeping quality.

Enjoying a good book is not only conducive to our minds but also more meaningful than unconsciously indulging in likes and dislikes on social media. I hope that more people can discover the wonder of reading.

Helen Szeto Hei-lam, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College

Many Hongkongers advocate for a ban on single-use plastics and replacing them with materials such as paper and wood.

Despite concerns over its inconvenience and unreliability, reducing plastic usage is a viable solution to combat issues stemming from plastic pollution.

The distressing news of marine animals dying from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste is all too common. Studies indicate that 52 per cent of the world’s turtles have consumed plastic waste, leading to digestive blockages and health issues.

Before the ban on disposable plastic, many citizens favoured single-use plastic products for their convenience. However, now that the ban is in place, those who don’t like wooden or paper alternatives are more inclined to bring reusable items.

By making mindful choices and setting an example, we can emphasise the importance of reducing plastic consumption and fostering a more sustainable future.

The move towards a plastic-free society encourages scientific innovation. This push towards innovation inspires people to think creatively and create solutions to benefit society, animals and the planet at large.