**********************************************************
The unique Hong Kong-style cafe, the companionship of a dog and an old woman, love and care shown in a single-parent family, students of different nationalities, a sick father, siblings with mental illness, a grandmother's green bean soup, the happiness of being content in life and the environmental message of a science story. These topics and more were explored when primary and secondary students showed their creativity and their concern about social issues in vivid stories written for the Competition on Story Writing in Chinese for Students in 2011.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Children's Art Society, the prize presentation ceremony for the Competition on Story Writing in Chinese for Students in 2011 was held today (July 23) at the Hong Kong Central Library.
The competition was well-received with more than 2 800 entries, among which 24 winning works in three categories were selected.
The Vice-Chairman of the Public Libraries Advisory Committee, Mr Cheung Chi-kong, pointed out during the ceremony that creativity originated from daily life and even the most ordinary thing could have its extraordinary aspects. With keen observation and curiosity, students could always discover new angles in writing.
He added that even old themes could always be transformed into interesting stories with new ideas and creativity. He encouraged students to read extensively and write more to enrich their knowledge and enhance their writing skills.
The competition has been held annually since 1995 to promote students' interest in creative writing, broaden their horizons in reading and enhance their language proficiency.
The competition has three categories: upper primary, junior secondary and senior secondary. To complement this year's competition, the HKPL organised three workshops with professionals in education and well-known writers sharing their writing experiences with students.
The winning entries of the competition will be published in Chinese in a book available at all public libraries and later at the HKPL homepage for public viewing. A list of winners with detailed information is available on the HKPL's website (www.hkpl.gov.hk).
Ends/Saturday, July 23, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:52
NNNN
