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The Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, and 250 members of the "Passing on the Torch: Exploring and Embracing Chinese Culture" National Education Exchange Programme: Tracing Our Origin in Ancient Cities delegation continued their visit to Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of the famous agricultural province of Henan, today (February 3).
The delegation, led by Mr Suen, was received by Henan provincial leaders. On behalf of the delegation, Mr Suen expressed his gratitude to the local government for the hospitality extended to the visiting students and teachers from Hong Kong.
Mr Suen said, "The exchange programme offers an opportunity for our teachers and students to visit six ancient cultural cities on the Mainland to trace the roots of Chinese civilisation, Zhengzhou being one of the study routes.
"The visit opens a window for our students to explore the history and development of Zhengzhou, helping them understand more about the history and culture of our motherland. By broadening participants' knowledge of the current situation and the opportunities and challenges ahead, the programme also helps cultivate their sense of belonging to the country," he said.
Zhengzhou played a significant role in Chinese civilisation and the development of ancient Chinese cities. The Shang Dynasty, the first dynasty with an historical record, located its capital city at the site of the current Guancheng Huizu district in Zhengzhou.
Apart from paying homage today to the Yellow River for its significant role in Chinese culture, the delegates also visited the biggest frozen food producer in China to understand its close links with the development of Henan province.
On completion of their itinerary in Beijing yesterday, the delegates took the express rail link to Zhengzhou and visited Henan Museum to acquaint themselves with the province's rich history. They also met teachers and students of local institutes today to foster better understanding between youngsters of the two cities. Highlights of tomorrow's (February 4) activities include a visit to the relics from the reign of Emperor Xuan Yuan to trace the roots of the nation.
"Passing on the Torch: Exploring and Embracing Chinese Culture" National Education Exchange Programme: Tracing Our Origin in Ancient Cities is organised by the Education Bureau to commemorate the first anniversary of an on-line national education platform. The platform provides links to information on national education-related activities organised by the Education Bureau and other social organisations.
Under this programme, 2,500 teachers and students will visit six ancient Chinese cities - Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xian and Zhengzhou. The programme has the largest number of participants since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Upon their return to Hong Kong, delegates will consolidate and share the knowledge acquired and insights gained on the visit with fellow students and teachers in learning projects. The sharing will be an important platform to promote national education in schools.
Ends/Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:48
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