Cancel class on time
June 8 was a bad day for students in Hong Kong.
They had to go to school in pouring rain and then make their way home shortly afterwards, when the red rainstorm warning was raised.
Following the chaos, the Director of Education, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, promised a review of the system and stated the Education Department had to improve its communication with the Hong Kong Observatory (report, South China Morning Post, June 9).
Will Mr Cheung, through these columns, tell us parents when the review will be completed so that we will know when we and our children can safely put our trust in the Education Department in case of inclement weather?
This is not the first time the department has caused widespread problems with poor timing of its announcements.
If a review of the system is necessary, can Mr Cheung tell us why it was not conducted earlier?
Mr Cheung missed the point when he reportedly said the department reacted quickly once it knew the red rainstorm warning had been raised.
Parents look to education officials to give us timely directions so that our children will not be exposed to danger while travelling to and from school. Is this asking too much?
It was indeed fortunate that no students were injured this time, although many did get soaked.
Next time, we might not be so lucky.
M. L. NG
Kornhill
