The future of societies lies with the young. Since antiquity, the nurturing of children and young people has been of the utmost importance. Following the handover, Hong Kong has been searching for its new identity, and repositioning itself vis-a-vis the mainland and the international community. How to move forward in such a competitive world is a question that confronts us all and which presupposes change. Farsighted change necessitates modifications in the way we educate and train our young people.
After seven years of communal identity crisis amid drastic transformations on the mainland, Hong Kong is settling down to a rejuvenated sense of itself as a unique Chinese city that boasts international cosmopolitanism. Hongkongers realise that we have been reaping the best of both worlds. Now we are determined to enrich that experience and hand it down to future generations.
A former British colony, the issue of mother-tongue teaching for an international city naturally captivates the interest of all. In revitalising our school systems and curriculum, it is possible to enhance the existing plural systems of English- and Chinese-medium schools.
The practical benefits of the former in a world where English is the international language, and in a city that serves and operates within the international community, are widely recognised. It is the significance of the Chinese-medium schools that needs to be underscored. China's steady rise in global prominence is a historical fact that is acknowledged by nations and peoples across the world. The mainland's modernisation will require innumerable talents, expertise and people with capabilities in all facets of society. There will be more than enough employment and good prospects for Hong Kong people trained in Chinese-medium schools, who can in turn be fed into our local Chinese language and mainland universities. These schools allow students who are not linguistically gifted to excel in subjects through the medium of their mother tongue without handicapping them in their academic and career prospects. This will heighten the intellectual capabilities of these young people, increase their chances of obtaining higher education and broaden the scope of job opportunities. In time, the number of unskilled workers with limited employment opportunities will decrease as Hong Kong's population becomes more educated and better trained. This reservoir of quality workers may, moreover, be tapped by the mainland in its rapid modernisation process.
While English-medium schools will use English language textbooks in all subjects except Chinese language, literature and history, the Chinese-medium schools will use Chinese language textbooks in all subjects except English language, world literature and world history.
Textbooks are of foremost importance. Whether it be English- or Chinese-medium schools, Chinese subjects must employ textbooks consisting of established literature. English language courses in both types of schools must teach through grammar textbooks written by native-speakers, while literature courses should feature established work by reputable translators. This shared experience will forge a sense of common identity in students who would otherwise go through schools with different language emphasis. It will, moreover, transform the prejudices on both sides towards each other into an appreciation of the strengths of the other.