'It's important to be aware some students don't do well in exams'
My schooldays were excellent because I trusted my teachers and felt my efforts were recognised where appropriate.
Of course they weren't all sunny times but I knew I had the support of teachers and particularly my family and that's so important for children.
My primary schooldays in the 1950s were spent at a school in Causeway Bay that no longer exists. The environment was positive and the teachers spent a considerable amount of time on the students. It wasn't authoritative but was very accommodating and caring.
I was particularly close to my English teacher, Mr Chan, who was very pleasant, relaxed yet also serious.
We certainly liked the way he taught and that he acknowledged our contributions in class.
The school itself was safe, warm and comfortable too.
However, I remember at one point I kept forgetting to complete my homework even though I was hard working and obedient. I can't remember for the life of me why it happened.
I was very fortunate that when my family came to learn about it. They didn't use a shamefaced, belittling approach or corporal punishment.
Grandma went to the school with me to see the teachers and she stood by me.
The result was I didn't feel isolated, lonely, blamed or punished. I just knew I'd done wrong and after that I returned to being hard working.
Significantly, that kind of approach can work without any need for corporal punishment.
I think it's also important to be aware some students don't do so well in exams but have other strengths.
My father was very keen on us making speeches and telling stories and would train us for contests being held. We enjoyed it including the recognition for what we'd done, the praise and any award.
I went on to Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School in Chai Wan where I became a Christian. It was the content of Christian teachings that inspired me particularly that all people are equal and deserve equal treatment, and I was allowed to join Christian gatherings and became a churchgoer on Sundays.
I don't think I was the very intelligent type but more modest and down to earth. I'm sure I developed intellectually at a later stage.
Books were always in my hands though and I was very good at playing table tennis.
I remember one teacher Miss Mok who was very caring, sharp minded and
willing to reach out and give you a gentle tap on the shoulder to show you were doing well.
I enrolled in summer Bible school, teaching children in squatter areas which I found very inspiring. It was also an eye-opener seeing kids living in poor conditions.
I've come to see youngsters need that recognition and support in order to help them develop their own potential. I know my teachers helped me to reflect more on myself and I therefore did better.
I had no idea what I wanted to do, never having kinds of dreams some have of wanting to be an astronaut and so on.
I went on to what was then the Baptist College after gaining passes in the entry exams.
I took English for a year but then had an opportunity to do sociology. I think my mother played some part in that as she spoke Russian and was a translator for the White Russian refugees.
One of the minor subjects I studied was criminology which was interesting.
I'd go to observe my lecturer who was a magistrate.
All in all, Baptist was an important part of my life as it enabled me to associate with people who shared similar concerns.
On graduating, I worked in an Anglican community service centre, then a centre counselling families with deaf members.
Virtually all the rest of my working life has been with Against Child Abuse (ACA).
It's been an important mission with ACA performing three roles.
First, we're an advocate for children. When people grow older they tend to forget children's needs and tend not to hear their voices. Although we appreciate the difficulties that face parents and carers, we don't believe in a blaming or punitive approach.
Second, we operate a hotline. By calling 2755 1122 during office hours or leaving a message after hours, abusers or those who are being abused can contact us with complete confidentiality.
Third, we support the creation of a children's commissioner or ombudsman.
Some 29 countries have one with, for example, Norway forming one in 1981.
I'm pleased to say there have been milestones. Children's voices are being heard more than ever before and 4,000 parents and children took part in our flag-day.
But it's important to stress we still need more education and legislation if we are to maximise the opportunities that can give the best protection possible to children.
Priscilla Lui is the director of Against Child Abuse. She was talking to David Phair.
