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Life-skills course to run in all primary schools

A life-skills curriculum is to be extended to all primary schools following the completion of a pilot project.

The 'Understanding Adolescent Project', which has been tried in 54 schools in Tai Po and North District, is targeted at Primary Four to Six pupils to help them develop life skills including emotion control, social development and problem solving, and help build up in them a sense of competence, belonging and optimism.

The project will be extended to 250 primary schools in the coming academic year, 375 in 2005-06 and 500 the following year. The government has set aside $50 million a year for its implementation.

It also involves a more intensive programme, piloted in 18 schools, for those with development difficulties, which includes day camps and social and voluntary service. Government and aided schools can apply from next month for grants of $78,000 to hire social workers or other professionals for the programme.

The move follows a three-year pilot study commissioned by the Education and Manpower Bureau and run by Chinese University, Breakthrough and the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong.

Gigi Mansukhani, the bureau's principal guidance and discipline inspector, said: 'Participants have generally improved in the areas of anger management, classroom performance and goal-setting.

'Teachers are encouraged when they see students becoming more cheerful and self-motivated.'

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