Face Off: Should students be allowed to take time off to observe their cultural festivals?

The 2021 Population Census found there were about 619,568 non-Chinese people in Hong Kong, which is only about 8.4 per cent of the city’s population. This percentage encompasses ethnic minority groups ranging from Indonesians to Filipinos, Indians, Thais and more.

It is important to respect every group in Hong Kong regardless of our ethnic, religious and cultural differences to maintain a harmonious, collaborative society.

Students should be allowed to take time off school to observe holidays from their culture, even if they are not recognised as public holidays in Hong Kong.

If you are Chinese, imagine not having time to collect red packets or join a family reunion feast during Lunar New Year when studying in another country.

Would that not sadden and disappoint you?

This sentiment resonates with non-Chinese students in Hong Kong. If a policy was implemented, pupils from different cultural and religious backgrounds could leave school to observe their traditions.

For example, Hindu, Jain and Sikh students could take time off from school for Diwali, gather with their family, friends and communities and celebrate traditionally.

For international students who are away from their homes, taking time off ensures they can take part in these important events that are essential to strengthening familial ties after being separated geographically.

Recognising and accommodating diverse cultures and faiths is also a way to respect students from different backgrounds. To some extent, they may feel more connected to a society where they are not the majority.

The policy would promote and boost inclusivity. It would undoubtedly emphasise embracing cultural diversity, religious freedom and racial equality. Companies may follow suit and adopt similar initiatives to benefit their employees from different cultures.

In addition, this approach would enhance Hong Kong’s image as a global city. We might attract elite talent from other countries to study or work as they would be able to observe their religious and cultural traditions.

Critics of this policy may be concerned about the potential abuse of taking leaves, but Hong Kong schools and students are rational and capable; together, they can make the decision.

Face Off: Should students have homework during the summer holiday?

Hong Kong has 13 to 17 general holidays, a mix of Chinese festivals, regional observances and western Christian holidays. This already diverse schedule emphasises the challenge of accommodating other cultural holidays and observances.

Allowing students to take time off from school for festivals that are not officially recognised in Hong Kong is controversial. Some may argue it promotes cultural diversity and respect.

However, there are concerns about its effect on academic consistency and fairness. Despite the clear appeal, students should not be allowed to take time off for cultural festivals.

An example of holidays not officially recognised in Hong Kong are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Allowing students to take time off for these festivals might negatively affect their academic performance and consistency.

For instance, if students were allowed to take time off for Eid al-Fitr – which moves with the lunar calendar – it could lead to absences during the school year. This could affect the individual student’s performance and disrupt the schedule.

If every student could take time off to observe their cultural festivals, classes would have to constantly accommodate different students’ absences at different times.

In Hong Kong, a significant number of students participate in public exams each year, including university entrance exams. The focus at school should be on doing well and maintaining a consistent schedule, which is crucial.

Specific rules are in place to protect students and maintain standards, and consistent attendance policies are particularly emphasised in Hong Kong.

Face Off: Should students have examinations before, not after, a holiday break?

Alternative solutions should be explored to address the issue of accommodating diverse cultural practices in schools instead of allowing students to take time off for unofficial holidays.

For instance, adding lessons on world cultures and religions to the curriculum would promote inclusivity without disrupting the academic schedule.

In conclusion, having the freedom to decide when to take time off from school for observances and festivals may seem like a good way to express cultural identity. However, it may lead to poor academic results for that student and disruption of the class.