Families seek help on kindergarten fees
Tens of thousands of families have applied for government assistance so they can afford to keep their children in kindergartens.
The Government spent more than $135 million on the fees of 56,558 children between August this year and January .
But about 12,000 applications have been rejected or are awaiting a reply.
The Student Financial Assistance Agency said it would process the applications as soon as possible.
An agency spokeswoman said results of applications were known within two months of applying.
Kindergarten education is not part of free compulsory education.
Fees range from about $1,000 to more than $5,000 a month.
Families who want to send their children to kindergartens but are short of money can apply to the agency for full or partial reimbursement of fees throughout the academic year.
The agency has received more than 68,500 applications since August. The total number of applications is expected to set a record, compared with 69,300 received in the 1997-98 academic year, 65,300 in the 1996-97 year and 50,100 in 1995-96.
Child care workers have raised concern over children's chances of joining pre-school education amid the economic slump.
A survey by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service found worsening family finances had forced hundreds of children out of pre-schools.
They said kindergartens taught children to follow a disciplined schedule and prepared them for school.
Many parents hope to send their children to kindergartens with feeder primary and secondary schools, expecting this could enhance their chances.
Last month, Pui Ching kindergarten in Ho Man Tin saw thousands of parents queue to submit application forms.
