​To enhance non-Chinese speaking students' interest and confidence in learning the Chinese language and to showcase their learning achievements, the Education Bureau (EDB) jointly organised the Chinese Writing and Talent Competition for Non-Chinese Speaking Students with the Yau Tsim Mong District School Liaison Committee, Sai Kung District School Heads Association, Yaumati Kaifong Association School and Hong Kong Taoist Association The Yuen Yuen Institute No. 3 Secondary School this school year. Over 300 primary and secondary students participated in the competition and demonstrated outstanding performances.
      
     The competition covered storytelling, verse speaking and writing. In the process, students had to incorporate their knowledge of the Chinese language and their life experience and feelings into different activities of the competition. The adjudicators fully appreciated the active participation and dedication of the students, as well as the talent and good language competence they demonstrated.   
      
     Speaking at the award ceremony today (June 29), the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that language learning takes place not only in classrooms but also in daily life. The competition aimed to provide non-Chinese speaking students with more opportunities to learn Chinese through activities outside classrooms, with a view to enhancing their interest and confidence. 
      
     She commended the outstanding performances of the students in the competition, which demonstrated not only their language proficiency, but also their creativity, articulation of feelings expressed in the pieces, and their perseverance and determination to overcome difficulties. She encouraged students to continue their dedication and diligence in learning Chinese, because there is are no short cuts and success can only be achieved with effort. She also advised schools and parents to strengthen their communication, co-operation and support to assist non-Chinese speaking students in mastering the Chinese language.  
      
     Apart from prize presentations the ceremony also included performances by winners, an exhibition of the winning pieces and a sharing session by guests. Two non-Chinese speaking guests also spoke about their experience and effective ways of learning Chinese. They encouraged students to devote sustained efforts to learning Chinese so that they could put their learning to good use, unleash their potential and contribute to society.
      
     For details of the competition, the winning pieces and students' performances, please visit the EDB's website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/chi-edu/second-lang/activities.html).

Ends/Saturday, June 29, 2019
Issued at HKT 13:28

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