Your Voice: Support ethnic minority children, reinstate the student grant (long letters)

As a multiethnic city, Hong Kong is home to citizens with different cultural backgrounds. We hear a variety of languages daily, and we celebrate a range of traditions and customs.

This place we dearly love must embrace ethnic minorities wholeheartedly, from schools to workplaces and our daily lives.

I visited Pat Heung Central Primary School, which boasts immense support for its non-Cantonese-speaking students. Their equality education philosophy was truly astonishing.

I interviewed students and teachers at the school who shared their insightful viewpoints.

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Dev Raj Rai is Nepalese. He is an esteemed teacher at the school and has spent about 20 years teaching in Hong Kong. His children were born and raised in Hong Kong, and he identifies as a “Hongkonger” with a deep connection to local culture.

He has dedicated much of his time to building community bonds and caring for ethnic minority students. In particular, he has helped non-Chinese families connect with school official admission officers.

Despite the school’s inclusive environment, Dev Raj Rai pointed out how many students are unjustly looked down on and their potential dismissed.

“We automatically think that these groups of [non-Chinese] students need help based on media reports, but those reports often reflect just a handful of cases,” he explained.

The media often misrepresents these students, portraying them through a narrow lens that fails to capture their true experiences.

The overgeneralisation of ethnic minority groups perpetuates harmful stereotypes and ignores the individuality and diversity within these groups.

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One of the school’s proudest practices is the celebration of cultural festivities, such as Lunar New Year and Ching Ming Festival. Students often ask their parents to purchase traditional Chinese clothing for them, while teachers dress in traditional clothes from their students’ cultures.

These celebrations are not only joyful occasions but also opportunities for education, as they encourage students and teachers to learn about each other’s cultures while reconnecting with their own heritage.

After several cultural exchange opportunities at school, Dev Raj Rai shared that students from ethnic minority backgrounds often ask questions about Hong Kong and city customs like tomb sweeping, reflecting their genuine interest in Chinese culture.

Pat Heung Central Primary School’s effort has successfully fostered a sense of belonging for its ethnic minority students and an appreciation of the place they call home.

Addressing social stigma and labelling requires a collective effort to recognise and appreciate the individuality of members of ethnic minority groups. Rather than allowing preconceived notions to dictate our understanding, we must strive for empathy and inclusivity.

Learning environments like Pat Heung Central Primary School exemplify how love and peace can serve as solutions to bridge cultural divides, nurturing understanding and appreciation among all students. Only by embracing diversity can we create a more harmonious society where every child has the opportunity to shine.

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On February 28, the Hong Kong government released the 2025-26 financial budget, presented by the current financial secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po.

The budget focuses on boosting economic recovery, improving people’s lives and strengthening development. It also aims to address Hong Kong’s current economic challenges.

As a student, I have strong feelings about certain aspects of the education and child support policies in the budget, and I would like to share my thoughts.

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First, I truly appreciate the budget’s plan to allocate an additional HK$180 million (US$23 million) yearly to emergency places and professional support for children. This shows that the government cares deeply about vulnerable children and takes its social responsibility seriously.

I have seen news reports and heard stories from friends about the hardships children who are abused face. They endure a great deal due to family problems, and access to emergency beds and quality counselling can be life-saving for them. These resources can help children feel safe again and restore their hope in life.

The government’s initiative shows compassion and encourages social unity, and I believe it will significantly improve these children’s futures.

However, I am disappointed that the budget cancels the HK$2,500 (US$321) allowance previously given to primary, secondary and kindergarten students. Although this amount may seem small, it provides crucial support for many low-income families.

They often rely on this allowance to purchase their children’s books and uniforms or pay for after-school activities. It reduces the financial burden on them.

For instance, one of my friends comes from a low-income family and depends on this money to afford extra tutoring to keep up with her schoolwork. Without this allowance, families like hers may struggle to cover education-related expenses, potentially limiting their children’s learning opportunities.

In today’s highly competitive world, access to fair education is essential. Every child deserves an equal chance to study, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

While I commend the government for supporting child abuse victims, I believe it is equally important to continue helping students from ordinary families. Many families are still dealing with job losses or pay cuts, and direct financial support for students can help protect educational equity.

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Instead of removing the allowance altogether, the government could consider alternative ways to reduce expenses, such as adjusting the eligibility criteria or changing the distribution method to target those in need better.

Additionally, the government could collaborate with businesses and community groups to provide extra resources and support for students. This would foster a stronger society that values and supports education.

If the government and the community work together, we can protect every child’s rights and ensure they grow up in a fair and healthy environment.