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EOC Organizes Workshop on Equal Opportunities in Education

30/10/1999

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) today (30 October 1999) organized a workshop "Equal Opportunities in Education: Design & Technology and Home Economics Education in Secondary Schools". More than 150 persons - including principals, teachers and members of concern groups, participated in the workshop.

A survey report, released in July by the EOC, showed that about 85% of the co-educational schools do not give students the freedom of choice in studying these two subjects. The EOC informed the schools that this practice contravenes the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO).

In her welcome address, Dr. Priscilla Chung said that investigating complaints and bringing cases to court are not pleasant ways of administering the law and that she hopes that the workshop helps schools to overcome obstacles so that the education system conforms to the laws of Hong Kong.

Speakers at the workshop included representatives from three schools, Ms YIP Sau-Wah of the Shatin Tsung Tsin School, Mr. YUNG Wing-Hon of the Yuen Yuen Institute No. 2 Secondary School and Ms CHAN HSU Show-Chee of the PLK Lee Shing Pik College, where students could either choose to study either subject, or they may study both subjects.

The Acting Principal Inspector (Business & Technology) of the Education Department, Mr. Chan Man-Lok said that the Department welcomes the EOC's report and recommendations. He said the Department encourages schools to give all students equal opportunity for participation and learning. Mr. Chan said that the Department will work with the schools to overcome obstacles.

Mr. Yip Wai-Ming of the Hong Kong Institute of Education quoted a report of the Institute on the differences between girls' and boys' attitudes toward technology. He said that cultural and social traditions as well as existing practices affected girls' opportunities in receiving technology education. The report recommended that removing barriers would help minimize differences and expand girls' future opportunities. Mr. Yip believed that the content of technical courses must also be examined in order to have a more "clean" and current technology.

Enquiry: EOC Hotline 25118211

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