Letters | Let Hong Kong students learn English while serving the community

Readers discuss the benefits of service learning programmes, what Hong Kong must do to prop up property prices, the call for tree diversity, and the fading brand of US foreign policy

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Students walk out of a school in Hong Kong’s Tseung Kwan O district in January last year. To boost students’ proficiency in English, schools should organise activities that provide more opportunities for students to use the language in real-life situations. Photo: May Tse

Published: 11:30am, 26 Jun 2023

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The lack of authenticity is a common criticism about English lessons in Hong Kong. Diploma of Secondary Education exam-takers leaving frustrated messages on Michelle Obama’s Instagram page is a vivid illustration of how the education system has failed to address the non-academic use of English.

To boost students’ proficiency in English, schools should organise a wider range of activities to provide more opportunities for students to use the language in real-life situations.

Schools may consider arranging community service. It will allow students to engage with the wider community and develop a sense of social citizenship. For instance, students could help refugees, asylum seekers or domestic helpers in Hong Kong and also learn more about the challenges and obstacles they face.

By walking out of ivory towers and serving people from all walks of life, students get to broaden their horizons. They may also gain insights into their future path. This also aligns with the government’s attempt to promote vocational and professional education and training.

Where the service users happen to be English speakers, students will be able to practise their language skills in a natural and authentic setting. They can also heighten their intercultural awareness by communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.