Education chief should stop shifting blame and reform the school system

Kids are not kids in Hong Kong. They are all little examination machines who have had to take different kinds of exam from the ages of three or four.

It is sad that this is a trend that Hong Kong parents are forced to follow. For those who are not a parent yet, they cannot truly understand how parents feel.

Most parents, including me, face a dilemma. On the one hand, we want our children to grow happily and enjoy their childhood. On the other hand, we do not want them to lag behind others.

It is so difficult not to become one of the monster parents in this sick society where academic results define who you are. However, all the student suicide cases starting from September are giving us a dire warning.

We all know there is something wrong with the Hong Kong education system.

We all know the government will just keep turning a deaf ear to the problem from the response of the Secretary for Education Eddie Ng Hak-kim instructing schools to show more care for students.

His response is totally irresponsible, as if he is blaming the schools for not doing their job right. Does he know how busy a teacher is? Does he know that a teacher also needs to take care of his/her family?

The problem is not about whether the schools show more concern or not, it is all about the exam-oriented curriculum. If there is something wrong with the system, then it should be fixed. Surely this part of Mr Ng’s job.

As a mother of two children, the thought that my daughters could become stressed or depressed because of their school frightens me. There is no one who can help me as I do not think I can still count on the government. Self-help is of the utmost importance. I am not a psychologist, I am just a mother who loves my daughters very much and who, like all mothers, would like to show my support.

I believe that parents have to stay strong and show our love and care to our kids instead of indulgence. We bring them into this world, we have the responsibility to protect them, to love them and to nurture them.

No matter how tired, how angry we are, giving our children a hug or a kiss may mean the whole world to them. Don’t underestimate this small action, it is the most direct way to let the children realise the importance of their existence. This gives them meaning to their lives.

Bonnie Ma, Po Lam