LettersIntroduce sensitivity training in Hong Kong schools to help fight discrimination

With its “victim-centric approach”, the Equal Opportunities Commission has been effective in identifying the victims of discrimination and helping them psychologically as they relive their pain during the complaint and investigation process.

In fact, there have been many instances where victims were unwittingly created in the education system. I would like to share some anecdotes with our educators and stakeholders, for them to consider the need to strengthen sensitivity training for teachers, not out of any disrespect, but for the good of our next generations.

In one case, a Primary 2 pupil was told in front of the whole class, in the nicest way, that she would be presented with a gift as she was last in class, as a way to “encourage” her. The public announcement, as opposed to constructive advice given in private, left scars. It was only years later, when a tutorial school manager said she saw potential in the student, that the slow process of healing took place.

In another case, an ethnic minority student who was first in form in Chinese at a top- ranked local school transferred to another school. Worrying about her Chinese capabilities, one teacher tactfully asked if there were any students studying French so as not to single her out as a non-Chinese speaker.

In contrast, another teacher repeatedly asked if she understood what was being expressed. The lack of sensitivity was glaring.