CHAN Yim-kuen loves learning English. Back home in Guangdong, she was one of the few from her school who was chosen to enter an English essay competition.
But since moving to Hong Kong three months ago her favourite subject has turned into a barrier which almost deprived her of local schooling. It took months of tedious inquiries and interviews before the 15-year-old finally obtained a place - in a primary four class normally reserved for nine-or 10-year-olds.
As the mainland-born-and-raised youngster tries to adjust to a vastly different life in Hong Kong, experts believe she and thousands like her need special help to smooth their transition.
The ordeal for new immigrants from China is not confined to problems in just their schooling and language adjustment.
Mainland immigrants, including children who have been separated from other members of their family by the border before coming to Hong Kong, will also encounter family and economic problems after being reunited, according to International Social Service executive director, Stephen Yau How-boa.
'There are many cases where immigrants, both adults and children, find it difficult to adapt to the crowded living conditions in Hong Kong,' he said.
'They may also be disappointed to see their standard of living here may not live up to their expectations.' After completing a 60-hour Education Department induction programme which provides basic English and Cantonese training to newly-arrived mainland children, Yim-kuen was left on her own to cope with the kind of everyday dilemmas inevitable in a strange environment.