I think we should treasure our family and friends. We can't buy them with money. We might have lots of money, but that doesn't mean we will be happy.

We will never be happy if we don't have any real friends to talk to.

Lai Hoi-lam

STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Stamp of approval

Collecting stamps is a very interesting hobby.

I can learn about different countries' history and animals. I can also raise my awareness of nature.

It's great fun to exchange stamps with friends.

Stamp collecting can strengthen friendships, as well as enhancing our knowledge.

Nevergiveup

Animal cruelty

Animal parts should not be used in Chinese medicine. There are many endangered species.

Besides, this cruel practice damages the world's fragile ecosystem.

Tiger bones are used to relieve pain and strengthen muscles. It is illegal to kill tigers for their bones, but people still do it.

Now those magnificent creatures are highly endangered.

Another example is the moon bear, whose bile is used to treat bacterial infections. The animals are kept in small cages and they suffer when their bile is extracted.

Please don't use animal products in Chinese medicine. They could be replaced with herbs or pills.

This will help save endangered animals - and the planet.

Grace Tsang and Charlton Yu

Kingston International School

Self-belief the key

Confidence is very important for success. For example, if you are giving a speech, you must be confident. Otherwise, your audience will not respect you.

In a speech festival, a clear voice and timely gestures are crucial. If you lack self-esteem, you will perform poorly.

So remember that confidence plays a key role when you have to speak in public.

Yolanda Chan Yuen-ching

Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

Value your life

Do you enjoy life? Everyone should treasure their lives because we only live once.

The world is so unfair - some people fight serious illnesses to stay alive, while others commit suicide because of exam pressure or because their boyfriend or girlfriend left them.

I've seen one of my relatives battle a serious illness - she was in so much pain that she cried all the time.

I felt sorry for her.

I hope all of us can enjoy life and won't have any regrets.

Iris Chan

Cure Earth's ills

I'm doing a 'World Class Project' aimed at raising our awareness of endangered species like sharks, whales, polar bears and tigers.

Humans try to make money from the planet's natural resources.

For example, people started hunting whales because each creature can produce 30 tonnes of oil which will bring a lot of money.

And people are cutting down trees to sell for a big profit.

The world's rain forests are being destroyed at a rapid pace and the habitats of many animals are vanishing.

Global warming has become a severe threat to the planet. If this destruction continues, Hong Kong will soon be under water.

I want to appeal to everyone to act sensibly and protect Earth.

The Earth is sick now, and we are the only ones who can save it.

We are also the only ones who can destroy it.

It's your choice.

Godfrey Chang

St Stephen's College Preparatory School

Family harmony

Communication is very important because it helps us understand how others think.

Parents are more mature than their children. They might disagree with us sometimes. So we need to tell them what we want. Better communication can help build a harmonious family relationship.

Parents should respect their children, understand how they think and show sympathy towards them. They should also offer helpful advice to their children and control their temper.

On the other hand, children need to understand their parents who are also facing pressure.

Parents scold us because they care about us. They work hard because they want us to lead comfortable lives.

If parents and children try their best to understand each other, our society will be much happier.

Everyone will be smiling.

Rebecca Chan Ching-ki

Medals a winner

I like the design of the 2008 Beijing Olympic medals. Made of jade and metal, the medals won't break even if they are dropped from a height of two metres.

The materials can also resist corrosion so that the medals will last for a long time.

The mixture of jade and metal can show off our Chinese culture and Olympic spirit.

Jade is more expensive than metal, so it is a combination of different values.

It sends a message that we should respect everyone, regardless of their race or religion.

One of the aims of the Olympics is to promote harmony around the world, so I like the design very much.

China is organising the Summer Games for the first time.

Hong Kong is also playing its part by hosting the equestrian competition.

Many tourists will come to Hong Kong during the Olympics and help boost the city's economy.

There is a misconception among outsiders that the mainland is a dirty country with impolite people.

I'm sure foreigners will see a 'new China' and encourage others to visit the country.

Lam Chor-yee

King Ling College

Plea for help

I have many problems in my life. I don't know how to get along with people.

I always think they are wrong and hope they will listen to me. Sometimes, I argue with others over little things.

I think my friends don't like me.

I lack self-esteem because I feel others are better than me.

I can't be happy without my friends. What should I do?

Anna Cheng

STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Tips for success

If you want to be successful, you should first set your goals.

Second, you should work hard to achieve your targets.

Third, support from your parents is very important.

And don't forget time management.

Don't waste your time because you won't be able to recover what you have lost.

I hope all of you will be successful people in the future.

Cheung Yuet-wa

Our Lady of the Rosary College