In addition, they waste a lot of food and water. Even though teenagers know that poor people are suffering around the world, they don't seem to care about their plight.

Perhaps they have never experienced real poverty. Maybe they need to join the '30-hour famine' programme which gives participants a taste of what it is to be poor.

Local teenagers should also learn to be grateful.

They should not be greedy and be satisfied with what they have.

Parents and teachers should ensure that youngsters learn from a young age not to waste anything.

So from now on, treasure what you have and try to lead a simple lifestyle.

Katherine Au Ka-chai

Joy of Easter

The Easter holidays are over, but I would like to voice my opinion about the festival.

Easter is a western festival with a religious background and it's celebrated in many countries.

In Hong Kong, we celebrate both western and eastern culture, and everyone enjoys festivals, including Easter.

Easter is a valuable holiday and we should treasure it.

But it has become commercialised as retailers sell their goods at higher prices.

I think most people have forgotten the true meaning of Easter.

Mak Kwan-ho

Meaningful life

Some people hide their true feelings in order to 'join the crowd' and make huge sacrifices, including family and friends.

What is the aim of your life? As for me, I would like to show my love and concern for others, contribute as much as I can to society and enhance my knowledge.

I also try to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. It's essential to be happy, isn't it?

So, if you strive hard to reach your goal, your life can be very meaningful.

Yip Wing-yee, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College

Save the cheetah

Recently, I watched a documentary about the cheetah, a carnivore found in Africa. It is the fastest animal on land.

Cheetahs' habitats are being destroyed due to deforestation. Forests are being turned to pastures, where the animals hunt livestock.

If they are captured by the herd owners, they will probably be shot. As a result, the number of cheetahs has declined and they are an endangered species.

You may think this is none of our business because it is happening in far-away Africa. Actually, it is a global issue as animals are being hunted down in many countries around the world.

If we continue to ignore wildlife, the animals will soon become extinct.

Everybody wants the Earth to be lively and colourful. Let's work together and spread the message about the importance of protecting wild animals and their habitats.

Pat Tsoi

Develop your talent

Everyone has their own ability. Some people may have a lot of skills, while others may not be so talented. To be honest, I have yet to discover my potential.

I have always envied people who are versatile.

They are good at music, do well in sports or the arts, or have excellent academic results.

I wonder why they are so talented while I don't have any ability.

I know the problem is me, because I haven't put any effort into anything.

I haven't learned to play a musical instrument or draw.

There is a saying: You reap what you sow. People who have different abilities have worked hard to develop them. They have made an effort from a young age.

In order to develop my ability, I think I should first find out what I'm really interested in. Then, I have to put more time and effort into it.

I hope I can be a versatile person one day.

Vicky Chung, Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School

World of dreams

American scientists say they have made extraordinary progress towards reading the brain.

This is a controversial issue and the reliability and accuracy of the technology are still in question.

Most doctors support the idea because they could use the technique to diagnose brain areas damaged by stroke or dementia, determine the outcome of drug treatment or stem cell therapy and open a door into the strange world of dreams.

However, some people have raised fears about breach of privacy or authoritarian abuse.

Officials say nobody should be subjected to any form of brain reading without their consent.

Why can't scientists read the brain after the success of animal cloning? Brain reading is no longer science fiction. It's going to be for real!

Chan Po-chu

Life-long learning

Without education we can lose our way in life. At times, no one will be there to help us.

Nowadays many students give up studies after graduation, because they prefer to earn money.

However, education is a life-long process which will help them cope with the ever-changing world.

Shoaib Hussain, California School