Pupils to stage musical protest against closures

Pupils from Buddhist Hui Yuan College and three other schools in Tai Po and Sha Tin are hoping to strike a chord with the Education Bureau over a reprieve from school closures.

About 10 students from the schools will perform a protest concert near the bureau's office in Sheung Shui on Friday.

College principal Sung Lim-ping said the musical talent showcased by the students would be the proof of the school's value.

'We met the bureau on Thursday. The officials didn't show any sincerity in the meeting,' he said.

'We cater to the needs of students of weaker academic ability. It's unfair that the bureau gave a reprieve to other low-banding schools that failed to enrol minimum number of Form One students this year.'

So Wai-fat, who is in Form Three at the school, said he was worried that he might have to transfer to another school next year.

'I will play the flute in the concert. I volunteered to join it because I love my school and want to let more people know about our situation.'

Lau Sin-kwan, another Form Three student at the school, said she would play the saxophone.

'The teachers here are all very willing to provide us with extra tutoring. I can join many extra-curricular activities. I took up saxophone only after I joined this school.'

Lee Wai-shing, principal of Buddhist Tai Kwong Middle School, said their students would perform juggling and singing at the concert.

Wa Kwai-lun, principal of Buddhist Chi Hong Chi Lam Memorial College, said their show would let the public see the students' versatility.