TVB drama to boost teaching profession

Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun aims to boost the image of the teaching profession by backing a new TVB drama series revolving around teacher-student relationships.

The Shine on You series was Mrs Law's idea. She raised it with TVB management after failing to win support from film-makers to pay tribute to the work of teachers.

'I have had the idea for a certain period of time. We should not just criticise the sector without mentioning those who have made much contribution,' she said. The show airs at 8pm during weekdays on TVB Jade from Monday.

'Too much negative publicity has surrounded the teaching profession in the past few years,' Mrs Law said. 'There are many dedicated ones around. Touching stories are happening each day in school.'

Producers of the series visited several schools and used some real-life stories for the show.

The drama is set in a secondary school with academically-inferior students, a businessman-turned principal, and dedicated staff.

Each episode will bring out an issue faced by students or schools and teachers and parents are invited to discuss the various topics on http://www.tvb.com.

TVB has also joined with the Education and Manpower Bureau and the Tsun Tak Fraternal Association in organising an essay competition for secondary students on the theme of 'The Good Teacher'. Entries must be sent by September 30 to External Affairs Division, TVB City, 77, Chun Choi Street, Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate. For information, call 2335 2294.