Advertisement
Letters | To tackle racism in ESF schools, look back at their colonial beginnings
- Complaints about racism in school culture cannot be resolved by firing a few people and having a few conversations
Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
This is my response to the allegations of racism that the English Schools Foundation has faced recently, as someone who went to ESF primary and secondary schools (“Hong Kong school group teachers accused of racism, inappropriate behaviour”, June 23).
Following the publication of a student’s open letter last month, issues surrounding racism in ESF have been brought to light. Many students and parents have since spoken up about the micro-aggression they faced, which is emblematic of a bigger problem within international schooling.
As someone who attended ESF schools for 13 years, I’m glad that these issues are being vocalised. It is long overdue. One particular line in the open letter resonated deeply with me: “being in a school community which exalted White culture made me detest my own”.
Advertisement
But perhaps it is difficult to expect any different. ESF schools were privately founded for the very purpose of serving and educating white expatriates in the era of British colonialism.
I cannot deny that I benefited from and thrived on an international education; it was a privilege, and many doors have opened for me as a result. But I must also acknowledge that my education was inherently racist and classist.
Advertisement
International schooling in Hong Kong is as exclusive and elitist as ever. This is reflected in the school community as well; the white and wealthiest students were always at the top of the social hierarchies I formed a part of.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x