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The rewards of respect

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SCMP Reporter

SKH Lui Ming Choi Secondary School 57 Wah Fu Road, Hong Kong HELPING working-class children was the reason why SKH Lui Ming Choi Secondary School was built in Aberdeen 20 years ago.

Founding headmistress Dr Mary Board realises children of working-class families are prone to academic and disciplinary problems because of their family situation.

But the school's students, rebellious to start with, have become disciplined - a phenomenon that has impressed even police inspectors connected to the school.

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''We try to give every child sent to us love and care; a loving and friendly atmosphere is very important,'' said Dr Board.

''But we also discipline, we don't spoil them. ''We give our students more respect and treat them as adults . We reason with them and help them see why they are wrong and tell them what they need to consider.'' This attitude mirrors the school motto: The Christian aim is to use knowledge to serve mankind by nurturing understanding of nature.

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Her commitment to her students also takes Dr Board to their families. ''I suggest to some working mothers that they should consider staying home to be there when their children return from school. They may have to be more frugal for a year or two, but youngsters, especially primary pupils, often wander into trouble because they feel lonely.'' Academically, the institute is liberal-minded in its direction and trains students to think independently.

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