No one wants to be poor. But why do so many people have so little money?

In my view, it is because they don't have many qualifications. For example, many leave school after Form Three, so they cannot get a job that pays well.

The government should organise more training courses for people and arrange work placements.

Then they would be able to earn more and lead a more satisfying life.

Leung Siu-wun

Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School

Green tax would benefit us all

I'm writing in response to Fresh call for rates relief and green tax (SCMP, February 26).

I think introducing a 'green tax' is a wonderful idea.

If Hong Kong people had to pay tax every time they created pollution , they would take better care of the environment. If everyone thought about tax before switching on the air conditioner, it would reduce air pollution.

Secondly, introducing a green tax would help people understand how serious environmental problems are.

As the amount of tax add up, they would realise how harmful our actions could be.

Finally, the green tax would give the government additional funds to spend on environmental protection.

I think there are far more advantages to a green tax than disadvantages.

Kirsty Wong

St Rose of Lima's College

Uniforms are good for us

Most students say that wearing school uniform is old-fashioned and unnecessary, but I completely disagree.

I think wearing school uniform is very convenient because we don't have to worry about what to wear every morning when we wake up.

Also, I think the school uniform symbolises the school. If students wear casual clothes to school, they may not look like a student.

The school uniform can help students behave appropriately, too. It makes us look neat and tidy, and ready to work.

School uniforms are traditional and respectable.

I think students should embrace their uniforms.

Ng Ka-yan

The most valuable things in life

Are friends the most important thing in life? Or is money more important?

If I had to choose between money and friends, I would choose friends.

When you are happy, you can share your happiness with your friends. When you are upset, your friends will make you feel better.

If you are in trouble, your friends will help you solve your problems. But sometimes it can be difficult to know if a friend is a true friend or not. Some people are very nice, but only on the surface.

The way to tell if someone is a real friend is to ask them for help when you have a problem. A fake friend won't help you find a solution. But a real friend will do everything they can to make your life easier.

True friends are hard to find. If you have some, please treasure them.

They are the best you can have.

Jasmine Leung Pui-sze

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

Song imitates life

I recently heard a song called How To Save a Life by the band The Fray. The band plays alternative rock, one of my favourite genres. But I found the lyrics to this song unexpectedly touching.

The first verse really fits my current mood.

'Step one: you say we need to talk, he walks, you say, 'sit down it's just a talk'.'

When I started Form Three, I found that some of my friendships came to an end. It feels as if we never talk unless it's something very serious.

But what affected me most was the chorus.

'Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend; somewhere along in the bitterness.'

It seems like the only thing everyone cares about is their academic results. Many of my friends are quieter than they were in Form Two.

Some friends are resentful when they get lower results than me. I feel I've become estranged from some of my old friends.

I hope that this is temporary, and that one day we can sit down and talk about anything again.

Xeric Yip

Treasure time

Time never waits for anyone. Yesterday will never happen again. It's important to treasure time.

While we are at school, we must dedicate enough time to our studies. If we make good use of time and study hard, we will have a successful future.

We get one chance to do well at school. We should make good use of it.

Chan Lee-wing

Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Tax would discourage teen smokers

The government has been urged to increase the tax on tobacco products to discourage teenagers from smoking.

I think this would be an effective method.

Many teenagers start smoking because of peer pressure, self-image problems, or because they are imitating their parents.

They continue to smoke because cigarettes are addictive.

Smoking has many negative effects. It can cause asthma and different kinds of cancers.

Smoking has a negative effect on your appearance. Teeth and fingernails become yellow. It also causes wrinkles on foreheads, and skin becomes dull.

Smoking also contributes to air pollution.

Increasing the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products would be a good way to discourage young people from smoking.

Lo Ho-yan

Sad farewells

A farewell assembly is held every year before Form Five and Seven students leave for their HKCEE and A-Levels. This year's assembly was very enjoyable and touching.

The Form Seven students started the show with photos of everyday school life and sang songs such as Kindergarten by Twins.

Then one of them made a speech.

When she said, 'Orchids in our campus blossom in March every year. In the past years, we have looked forward to March. But this year we do not, because the blossoming of the orchids symbolises leaving MCS,' my eyes were filled with tears.

Then Form Five students sang songs such as You Raise Me Up. The Form Five speech reminded us that 'every one of us makes a difference'.

Each student is crucial to the success of the school, and of the world. If we work together, we can make the world a better place.

I know that in a few years, it will be my turn to stand on stage and say farewell. I know I have to cherish my time here.

And I hope that we can say goodbye to our school without regret and sadness but with pride and happiness.

Hilary Tang

Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section)