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The Government is committed to providing quality education and appropriate support to students with special needs to enable them to pursue all-round development, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said at the Special Schools Variety Show today (June 29).
"We strive to promote integrated education in ordinary schools, and provide professional support to special schools to enhance the quality of teaching and learning," he said.
Referring to his contact with young people with disabilities, Mr Tsang said that they are as passionate about learning and life as anybody else.
"They are optimistic, positive and resilient. These qualities command our respect," he said.
Mr Tsang said that special school students could realise their potential after completion of their study and lead a meaningful life.
He said their performances deserved appreciation as much as a star-studded concert does, as they showed the students' talent, potential, determination and hard work.
Mr Tsang also extended his gratitude to the teachers and parents as well as different sectors of the community for the training and support rendered to the students.
During the variety show's finale at the Hong Kong Coliseum, the Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen; the Acting Director of Broadcasting, Mr Gordon Leung; Vice President (Academic) of the Hong Kong Institute of Education, Professor John Lee; and the Honourable President of the Hong Kong Special Schools Council, Mr Frederick Ma, received a painting by special school students.
The Special Schools Variety Show was jointly organised by the Education Bureau and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Schools Council and the Hong Kong Institute of Education.
The event aimed at enhancing the public's understanding and appreciation of the capabilities and talents of special school students. It also sought to honour the special schools on their contributions and achievements.
The variety show was the largest ever joint school activity among the 60 special schools as well as the launching event for RTHK's Solar Project 2011. More than 300 students participated in performances ranging from music, dancing, Chinese opera and drama to taekwondo, magic and acrobatics.
Attendees included principals, teachers and students of the special schools, representatives from education bodies, non-government organisations and parents' groups.
Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:28
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