Give Zheng Sheng students a chance
I support the relocation of Christian Zheng Sheng College to Mui Wo. It is important that society welcomes the students on the road to recovery from drug addiction.
Hong Kong emphasises equality among its people and Mui Wo residents should not discriminate against these students.
The students have stopped taking drugs and are willing to learn different things. They need support and love.
The residents should give them a chance to change and could even offer advice to the students, who may then go on to become pillars of society.
Some residents say the Zheng Sheng students could influence their children to take drugs. But the students have stopped taking drugs, and parents and schools can tell children why it is such a bad thing.
The government should stop dithering over the relocation, and Mui Wo residents should not discriminate against its students.
Helen Tsang Hoi-ling, Our Lady of the Rosary College
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Helen. It would seem that the objection about Zheng Sheng relocating to Mui Wo is not about discrimination, but about people in the area who want the school for their own children, instead of having to send them over long distances for their daily education.
While it is never a good idea to discriminate against anyone, it is also not good to be completely accepting of people who have made mistakes in the past. We live in a very safe society, but that does not mean we can close our eyes to the potential risks in the world. People who are addicted to things, be it gambling, drugs, alcohol or even chocolate, will always be addicted. That is something we need to remember. They are never cured; they have to learn to live with the burden, and many never do.
This does not mean, of course, that they should not live in society, just that we need to be aware of the potential risks.
Susan, Editor