********************************************************
In response to media enquiries on the school leaving arrangements for intellectually-disabled (ID) students, an Education Bureau (EDB) spokesman responded today (August 24) as follows:
"The EDB understands the love and care the parents have for their children with intellectual disability, as well as the community's concerns about education received by ID students. The EDB hopes that schools, parents and the community can view the judgment handed down by the High Court today positively.
We have issued a letter to all special school heads today reiterating that the EDB will continue to provide resources and strengthen support for these schools. We will work hand in hand with the sector to keep enhancing the quality of special schools. We will inform schools of the follow up of the school leaving arrangements for 2008/09 school year later.
The EDB will continue to listen to views through different channels, including liaison with the Hong Kong Special School Council shortly, to ensure a smoother school leaving arrangements for ID students under the new academic structure.
We understand that some of the parents and students may form different views towards the judgment. We appeal to schools to provide professional counseling to those parents and students in need and actively follow up on the school leaving arrangements for them. This is to enable these students a smooth transition to another stage of life.
To assist special schools to make effective arrangements for students, the EDB had liaised and communicated with the Social Welfare Department and the Vocational Training Council, and has provided to schools their contact details for reference."
Ends/Monday, August 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:01
NNNN