Today (13 November 2013), Dr. York CHOW, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), met with the Deputy Consul General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Ms Rosanna Villamore-Voogel, to discuss issues related to education facing the Filipino community in the city. Members of the community were also present at the meeting to share their views.

Dr. Chow emphasised that education for ethnic minorities is one of the three-year strategic priority work areas of the EOC. “We are very concerned about educational problems facing ethnic minorities, which could affect their higher education and employment prospects in the long term. The Commission has been urging the Government to provide systematic and holistic support for ethnic minority children, including language and cultural programmes starting from pre-primary level, as well as an alternative Chinese curriculum which takes into account the specific needs of second- or third-language learners,” said Dr. Chow.

“The EOC is pleased to have this opportunity to engage in a direct dialogue with the Filipino community in order to better understand their experience with Hong Kong’s education system. We are committed to listening to the views of different stakeholders and to working together towards our shared goal of equal opportunities for all,” added Dr. Chow.

During the meeting, Dr. Chow expressed his deep sympathy for those who have been affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and offered his condolences to their families and loved ones. He also urged the Government of the Philippines to actively respond to the plea of Hong Kong people regarding the tragic incident which happened in Manila three years ago.

Caption:

Dr. York CHOW, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) (third right), met with the Deputy Consul General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Ms Rosanna Villamore-Voogel (fourth left) and members of the Filipino community, to discuss issues related to education facing the Filipino community in the city.

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Equal Opportunities Commission
13 November 2013