letters

Motivation comes from inspiration

I have started revising for the upcoming exams. Some of my friends rely on their teachers or parents to force them to study harder. But I prefer to think about past experiences or words of encouragement to prepare myself for hard work.

The most important thing for me is to find inspiration. I think we should first recognise our weak points so we know where we should improve.

My school organises talks by prominent personalities which can be very helpful. After a talk, I think about what I have learned from the person and how I can change my behaviour.

As time passes, I will try to improve my performance. After I pinpoint my weaknesses and devise ways to solve those problems, motivation will come naturally to me.

For example, I realised I was spending too much time in front of the TV, so now I watch less television. This has motivated me to submit all my homework on time. I don't have to come up with excuses any more and my grades have improved, too.

I hope my suggestions can help inspire Young Post readers.

Li Yui-hei, Pooi To Middle School

Schools set a bad example

Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools have been criticised for financial malpractices and poor administration. An Audit Commission report found that all but one of the 73 DSS schools had broken the rules.

One school even used surplus funds to speculate in the stock market, the audit report said. These schools are setting a bad example to their students.

Parents spend a lot of money to provide their children with a better education. And they expect schools to follow the guidelines. They have a right to know why schools are raising fees and whether the money is being properly used.

Some top schools in Hong Kong have been accused of bad management. This is a cause for concern.

Students see principals and teachers as role models. So it is sad when schools are seen to be violating regulations.

The government's poor supervision is also to blame. It should conduct a full review of DSS schools and ensure such things do not happen again.

Chris Ho Ka-kui, Man Kiu College

Extending landfill not a solution

I am against the proposal to extend the landfill at Tseung Kwan O into the adjoining Clearwater Bay Country Park. I think the lawmakers did the right thing by rejecting the move.

Most people go the country park to relax and enjoy the greenery. The bad smells from the landfill would pose a huge problem for local residents and could even drive away tourists.

I think the best way to deal with the rising amount of household garbage is to educate people about the need to reduce waste. Building more landfills won't solve the problem.

The government can also impose household waste disposal charges so that people will learn to recycle their rubbish and save money. Both South Korea and Taiwan have adopted such a policy, helping to reduce household waste by 30 per cent. Like the plastic bag tax, the scheme will be unpopular at first, but people will gradually realise its value.

Household waste charges may increase a family's financial burden, but it will play an important role in helping Hong Kong to become a less-polluted and more beautiful place.

I hope the government will introduce this eco-friendly scheme soon.

Irene Soo

Less hunger, more fun in life

Hong Kong is a prosperous city, so many people take things for granted. This leads to a lot of wastage. I am particularly concerned about food waste. How can we solve this problem?

Food producers should give excess food to orphanages and elderly homes.

When we go to a restaurant, we should take away any leftover food because we can eat it later or use it to make new dishes.

If people are aware of a problem and use their creativity to tackle it, there will be less hunger in the world and life will be more fun.

Hui Yan-wai, Po Leung Kuk 1984 College