At the meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Education on 3 September, Panel Members followed up on the progress on supporting non-Chinese-speaking (NCS) students in learning Chinese. To highlight the key concerns and recommendations of the EOC on the issue, the Commission made a submission to the Panel.

Quoting findings from its previous research studies, namely “A Study on the Challenges Faced by Mainstream Schools in Educating Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong” and “A Study on Education and Career Pathways of Ethnic Minority Youth in Hong Kong”, as well as views collated from diverse stakeholders, the EOC pointed out that the crux of the problem lies in the lack of a systematic Chinese language curriculum for NCS students, and the inadequate training for teachers on teaching second language learners.

In light of this, the EOC has been calling on the Government to develop a full-fledged Chinese-as-a-second-language curriculum complete with specific pedagogy, corresponding teaching tools and textbooks for NCS students, and require Chinese subject teachers to have undergone pre-job training on teaching second language learners.

Another EOC recommendation is to revise the Chinese language examination options for second language learners and develop a qualification ladder with progressive levels between GCSE/IGCSE and HKDSE, through which a range of language proficiency among NCS students can be better reflected and recognised.

On career planning and counselling for NCS students, the EOC recommends the Government to strengthen resources for career coaches at schools, in order to enable them to provide timely and culturally responsive advice for students This is essential to helping NCS students make a realistic assessment of their career needs, and take early actions to develop the necessary language skills and other relevant competencies.

• Read the EOC’s submission