SED visits Kwun Tong District (with photos)
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     The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, today (January 17) visited Kwun Tong District to learn more about the promotion of game-based learning in a primary school and the provision of anti-domestic violence services by a social welfare organisation. He also met with members of Kwun Tong District Council (KTDC).

     Accompanied by the Chairman of KTDC, Dr Bunny Chan, and the District Officer (Kwun Tong), Mr Steve Tse, Mr Yeung first went to St Edward's Catholic Primary School, where he was briefed on the school's history, characteristics and game-based learning projects.

     Mr Yeung then toured various school facilities including a theatre, a games room, a student activity room and the campus TV studio, to learn more about related learning activities such as movie appreciation, robot coding, electronic darts, and games and learning on an interactive floor. He also used special goggles to experience a 360-degree view of "Kwun Tong story" and the school campus through virtual reality (VR) technology in the VR learning room.

     Mr Yeung said, "With the concerted effort of the Education Bureau (EDB) and schools to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and the adoption of related elements in various subjects and activities, classroom learning is no longer bounded by textbooks. The emphasis on thinking and hands-on activities has promoted students' interest in learning and problem-solving skills. The EDB will continue to provide schools with additional support through teaching resources and teacher training."

     Accompanied by the District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong), Ms Ip Siu-ming, Mr Yeung also visited the Jockey Club Harmony Link - Domestic Violence Prevention Centre to learn more about its services. Established in 1985, Harmony House is a social welfare organisation specialising in handling domestic violence, providing services for those affected by domestic violence and promoting harmonious family relationships in the community.

     Mr Yeung expressed his sorrow over the recent spate of child abuse cases involving students. He thanked social workers for rendering support to schools and teachers, and mobilising cross-discipline and cross-sector collaboration to protect the children affected, support the families in need and follow up on the welfare needs of the families concerned.

     He said that in order to enhance schools' ability to identify and handle suspected child abuse cases, the EDB, together with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and the Police, will organise four seminars in late January and early February. Education psychologists and representatives of the SWD and Police will elaborate on the identification and handling of suspected child abuse cases. The EDB will also review the relevant circular memorandum and the Operation Manual for Pre-Primary Institutions with a view to providing education workers with more detailed and clearer guidelines.

     Mr Yeung then went to KTDC to exchange views with DC members on education and district issues.

Ends/Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:03

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