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SCMP Reporter

A collection of great memories

Many people like to collect things.  Stamps, stickers, toys, shoes, and cars are some examples.

The collections not only represent their  interests, but also their  pasts. Whenever  people think about their collections,  they remember a story.

I think it's good to collect certain things because they can bring great memories.

Yeung Ka-yan

Our Lady of the Rosary College

Plan your future and lead meaningful life

I am writing in response to the letter 'Turn off the TV and get involved' (Young Post, December 26).

Modern technology is an essential part of our daily lives, but it can also be a waste of time and can destroy relationships.

Many students do not know how to manage their time properly.  They watch TV programmes or play computer games, ignoring more important things like their studies and family.

I hope young people will plan their future and try to lead a more meaningful life in future.

Dina Cheng

Ex-Iraqi dictator faced death calmly

I was shocked to see the hanging of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein on TV.

I never thought the death penalty would be implemented so quickly.

The footage showed that Saddam was calm before his hanging.

When the hangman put a thick rope around his neck, he didn't struggle. I looked away when his dead body was shown on TV.

Whenever I saw him appear in court, I  had great sympathy for him.

He looked so kind. From his white hair, I often imagined that he would be a good-tempered grandfather.

By hanging Saddam, Iraqi authorities showed that they are no better than the Iraqi dictator who was famous for killing his rivals.

I really hope people around the world will get along well irrespective of their nationality, religion, or skin colour.

Leaders can learn from Saddam's experience that war will not solve anything.

Please remember: only love can lead to harmony.

Lai Kam-choi

Reduce language teachers' workload

The Hong Kong government always emphasises the importance of languages, especially English and Putonghua.

It has taken  measures to improve teaching standards in local schools.

But students still attend tutorial classes as they prepare for public exams.

I'm sure all Hong Kong students want to  master the English language.  Schools play a crucial role in enhancing their language skills.

The government  should reduce the workload of language teachers so that the teaching quality can be raised.

Sgordon

Protect marine life

Hong Kong may be an international city, but it has a poor environmental protection record, especially in the marine sector.

In Hong Kong, there are only five marine reserves which comprise only 2 per cent of the total sea area. This is much lower than the international level of 20 per cent.

The ocean is important to us because it provides many resources.

Seventy per cent of the oxygen is produced by sea plants and fish is one of our basic foods.

We need to pay more attention to marine life and protect our environment.

Ho Kin-fung

Hong Kong Chinese  Women's Club College

GST the way to go

I was surprised when Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen announced that the government would not implement the goods and services tax (GST) because the majority of the public did not support it.

I believe the GST debate has helped raise public awareness of the importance of widening the tax base.

The retail sector and some political parties will be very happy that the GST has been shelved.

But this is not a good thing.

Does the government's massive financial reserves mean that we should not prepare for the future? I don't think so.

Hong Kong's ageing population is putting a huge strain on the city's social welfare system. The government also needs to find the money to fund future projects.

The GST is the best way to stabilise the administration's income.

I hope  people will accept the GST and confront the problems that we are facing now.

Yip Che-wai

Brutal practice

I am writing in response to the article 'Scientists launch campaign against Japan's dolphin hunts' (Young Post, November 22).

I think hunting dolphins is inhumane.

These animals are intelligent creatures and they are killed in a cruel way. Japanese fishermen herd them into shallow caves and attack them with knives.

The number of dolphins is declining so I think we should take steps to protect them.

Jessica Mok Nga-ching

Shek Lei Catholic  Secondary School

Age no barrier

My brother is 10 years older than me, but we don't have any problems.

He helps me with my homework and although he plays tricks on me sometimes, we get along very well.

My brother offers financial advice to his clients. He works even during holidays.

When we are having dinner together, he always talks about financial matters with my mother.

I don't know what they are talking about, but I'm very proud of my brother.

Rain Ng Ching-lam

Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen  Yiu Memorial College

Depressing data

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has carried out a survey about depression. It has been found that  one in 10 adolescents suffer from the illness.

Students aged 12 to 21 were interviewed for the survey.

About 10 per cent of them had symptoms of depression, such as suicidal thoughts and feelings of worthlessness.

Psychologists say this phenomenon is due to financial problems, social and academic pressures or family breakdowns.

Students are under great pressure to excel in their studies in order to enter a good university.

When they don't get good marks, they think they are useless.

Young people should receive full support from their parents.

We should encourage our friends who are having problems.

Let's put a smile on the faces of troubled teenagers.

Yao Cheuk-ying

Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping  Secondary School

Happy days

I've seen parents scolding their children on the bus because

they don't know the answer

to a question from a school textbook.

Parents in Hong Kong put too much stress on their children's academic performance.  They forget that the happiest period in our lives is childhood.

Please be kind to your child.

Leung Yu-wing

STFA Tam Pak Yu College



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