HK voucher plan fails to vouch for children
I was in the audience this week when the panel on education at the Legislative Council questioned the new Secretary for Education and Manpower on funding of kindergartens and other proposed changes to the changes made just two years ago.
Of the 32 organisations who presented their views there, there was a consensus observed by Emily Lau Wai-hing that it was not fair to full day kindergartens to be allocated one portion of funds and half-day kindergartens, two portions; simply because half day kindergartens have two children enrolled and full- day just one.
The secretary regurgitated the EMB line that only three hours of kindergarten are needed so the rest of the time is not education and therefore not subsidised.
Panelist Leung Yiu-chung pointed out there were bought places in private elderly homes and schools before so why shouldn't the same apply to all kindergartens.
The panel noted that the views of the organisations were concerted in their opposition. Why is the government oblivious to public and professional views?
