I was very angry about what Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower Law Fan Chiu-fan said a few days ago. She said the teachers who committed suicide did not do so because of the education reforms. She said: 'If their death was related to the education reforms, then why did only two teachers [commit suicide]?' It is appalling that she does not value teachers' lives. Teachers do not only correct assignments and prepare lessons. They also have to do loads of paperwork to do. The education reforms were introduced very quickly, and teachers have tried their best to cope. I hope authorities realise that teachers are not machines. ALICE LI Leung Shek Chee College Thanks for your letter, Alice. You've chosen to write about a very hot potato. The expression here means a controversial topic. Fanny Law's comments were in very poor taste. At least she had the good sense to apologise and said she made the remarks in the heat of the moment. Now that it is widely recognised that teachers are under a lot of pressure, I hope that you will do what you can to make your teachers' lives a little bit easier. Even something as simple as showing your teachers that you value their lessons is worthwhile - everyone wants to know that they are appreciated and teachers are no different. Kate, Editor
