Hong Kong to mark National Security Education Day with activities across city, while children will be given picture books

Hong Kong authorities will hold unprecedented citywide promotional activities marking National Security Education Day next Saturday while handing out 60,000 picture books to primary schools, the city leader has said, stressing such training “should start from an early age”.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday also said the government would organise a series of in-person activities to raise public awareness of national security, including sports competitions and a joint flag-raising ceremony, for the theme day on April 15, the first after the city lifted its Covid-19 restrictions.

“National security education should start from an early age. The Hong Kong government will hold workshops for primary schools and distribute 60,000 picture books to all of the city’s primary schools,” Lee told a press briefing on Tuesday.

“Everybody is responsible for safeguarding national security. I hope residents from all walks of life will support and vehemently engage in the series of activities on April 15.”

Lee also said he had ordered the administration to ensure residents from all 18 districts could take part in activities near where they lived, with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and its district offices being tasked with promoting and coordinating all related events.

“It will be the first citywide promotional activities marking National Security Education Day,” he added.

Mainland Chinese authorities designated April 15 National Security Education Day in 2015 to enhance awareness among residents.