********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Education continued its duty visit in Germany yesterday (September 22). Members of the delegation met with several government officials and members of the Hessian Parliament to obtain a better understanding on the vocational training as well as pre-school education and integrated education in Germany.
The delegation started the day by visiting the State Chancellery of Hesse. Members were welcomed by Hessian Minister of European and Federal Affairs, Mrs Lucia Puttrich, followed by a meeting with government officials from various ministries.
Delegation members first received briefings on dual vocational training in Germany by Mr Klaus Müller of the Hessian Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs; and Ms Carolin Friedländer of the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transportation and Regional Development, respectively. Members were also briefed by Mr Claudio Kasperl of the Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts.
Apart from vocational training, the delegation was given an introduction on other educational matters by representatives of the Hessian Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration. Members of the delegation learnt of the pre-school education in Germany, as well as the education and employment system for people with disabilities and immigrants in Hesse.
In the afternoon, the delegation attended a discussion session after touring the Hessian Parliament. Joined by spokespersons on education policy from political parties represented in the Hessian Parliament, delegation members exchanged views on issues relating to the promotion of vocational education and training.
The delegation will conclude its visit in Germany today (September 23) after its meeting with representatives from the government employment agency and the business sector. The delegation will depart for Switzerland in the evening to continue its visit.
Ends/Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:28
NNNN
