Some are just not ready for university
This may stem from the fact that they lack the appropriate levels of grey matter – in this case, there is little that can be done. It could also result from some not being in the right place, emotionally, to take on university studies when they get to be 17 or 18 years old, the age when they are expected to embark on degree studies in Hong Kong institutions.
In reality, they would probably benefit from two or three years away from formal education, travelling around the world, earning some money, or partaking in other things that late teenagers enjoy doing – given the opportunities.
It should be easier for adults of all ages to enrol in a university course. One of the things that many educationalists go on about is lifelong learning. However, it is not obvious what mechanisms are in place for Hong Kong people to do this. Clearly, the city could do better.
I teach in one of the city’s tertiary-level institutes and one of the most depressing experiences is seeing young people fritter away the opportunities that are handed to them. A good degree combined with a well-lived university life really can set you on a path to an intellectually rewarding career and a fair chunk of future happiness. Sadly, not all students “get it”.
Jason Ali, Lantau