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SCMP Reporter

Bring back colours of the Earth
Everything seemed fabulous and pleasant in childhood. The sky was blue, clouds were white, trees were green. There was a multiplicity of colours.  Colours lit up our lives!
Those were the days. Colours are not as wonderful now.  The sky is dark, clouds are grey, trees are disappearing. Our future will be ruined unless we take action. How can we destroy our environment under the guise of development?
We should remedy the situation and not take things  for granted. We must save energy and  protect our planet.
One day, the sky will be blue, clouds will be white and trees will be green again when we are not selfish anymore. We need colours to  light up our  life!
Tang Ka-man, Tin Ka Ping Secondary School
Feed the hungry
World hunger is an issue that should affect us all. Everyone has felt hunger pains,  but most of us have never experienced real, chronic hunger - not having enough  nutrition  for days, weeks or even months.
To solve the problem, we need to understand what it really means.  Hunger isn't the sound that our stomach makes after not eating for a few hours.
We can do many  things, such as donating food and money  through the United Nations World Food Programme.  We should all  do our bit so that the poor can also live a healthy and happy life.
Fahad Mumtaz, California School
Learning can be fun for teenagers
Asian countries suffer higher rates of teenage suicide owing to the environments and attitudes towards learning. Let's look at how we can maintain the mental health of teenagers.
Compared to the west, Asian education systems are exam-oriented. There are tonnes of homework  but a lack of extra-curricular activities.
Teenagers are  in a difficult situation - they need to be industrious, otherwise they might not be able to continue their studies.  However, western countries try to train youngsters to be all-rounders. They emphasise a balance between studies and extra-curricular activities. Students may choose the subjects they like, allowing them to enjoy school without peer pressure.
Another major difference is in parental expectations. Asians want their children to put all their efforts into studying. Without good results, no extra-curricular activities are allowed. This  interferes with personal growth.  Western parents let children enjoy hobbies and social events. That boosts their problem-solving skills and social networks. As they realise life is worth living, they become more optimistic and resistant to pressure.
To cope with the problem, we have to change attitudes. It is not a must to carry on studying. But if you choose to continue, why not handle it in an easy and effective way? What we learn is for a lifetime and not just for examinations only. Learning is fun and interesting ideas can be found behind every little thing. Much valuable knowledge can be gained from extra-curricular activities. Strike a balance between studying and relaxation.
Matt Lam, SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School
Eco-tourism for HK
Eco-tourism appeals to socially and ecologically conscious individuals. In my opinion, Hong Kong should promote itself as an eco-tourist spot.
First of all, Hong Kong has a wide range of wildlife. The Mai Po wetlands are known to be a haven for endangered birds, such as black-faced spoonbills. The mangroves that grow on the inner Deep Bay mudflats are beautiful and pink dolphins live  near Lantau Island. All these could attract nature lovers.
Secondly, promoting eco-tourism can make Hongkongers more aware of environmental protection.   Thirdly, it can help Hong Kong build a good image -  by leaving an impression that Hong Kong not only places emphasis on economic growth but also makes great efforts in environmental protection.
Ho Lai-shan, Tin Ka Ping Secondary School
To be patriotic, mind your manners
I am proud to be Chinese, especially when I am abroad. My sense of belonging to Hong Kong and China always bursts from the bottom of my heart when I talk to foreigners. Several times, I was mistaken as a Japanese and I would be very eager to emphasise that I am from Hong Kong, a Chinese city.
But Chinese tourists make me feel ashamed. Many do disgusting things like chatting loudly, spitting, littering, smoking in non-smoking areas and not queuing up. As one of 1.3 billion Chinese, I feel the need to do my part - to be as polite as possible to show not all Chinese are bad-mannered.
I  urge all Hongkongers to show patriotism by  playing their part. Stop the talking and start the action.
Bryan Chan
Practise fair trade
In international trading, affluent nations are the dominant buyers. Whenever they offer unfair terms,  producers who fear losing customers have to comply.  A low bargaining power has led to a trading imbalance and workers in developing nations barely earn enough to support themselves.
Free trade also increases the wealth gap. It allows developed nations to subsidise exports and sell them at low prices to poor regions.  Farmers  who do not get government subsidies need to demand higher prices  to cover production costs, so they can hardly compete.
The world must help them.  Fair trade gives disadvantaged  producers direct access to markets and avoids exploitation by middlemen, ensuring they are paid fairly.  It also curbs child labour and offers reasonable working hours.
It's time people in wealthy countries become aware of the need  for fair trade to correct the global wealth imbalance.
Vanessa Chan, Methodist College



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