Hong Kong Students Celebrate National Day Through Calligraphy at 75th Anniversary Event

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day

The Education Bureau (EDB) today (September 14) held Calligraphy 1 000+ for primary and secondary school students across Hong Kong to come together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and to send well wishes for the country's prosperity through the art of calligraphy, which is rooted in the rich and vibrant traditions of Chinese culture.

The Acting Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, and the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, officiated at the event. In support of the event, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, who is currently on an overseas duty visit, had created a large calligraphic representation of the event's title on a long scroll to cheer on the participating students.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sze said, "Chinese culture has a long history, and our esteemed traditional culture is the solid foundation of our country's development. As we make strides forward, it is crucial that we inherit and promote excellent Chinese culture. The art of calligraphy is one of the greatest treasures of Chinese culture. It is not only a form of art but also a way to cultivate character. In the process of calligraphy, students can feel the nuances of brush strokes, contemplate the layout and composition of characters, and appreciate the art of writing. This process also helps cultivate mindfulness, refine temperament, and gradually enhance one's aesthetic and cultural literacy."

More than 1 800 students from 81 primary schools and 61 secondary schools participated in the event, alongside 300 principals, teachers, and guests. Apart from students participating on-site, some schools made school-based arrangements to take part simultaneously. In addition, more than 100 volunteers from the Education Bureau, the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office and the Legal Aid Department assisted with the event, exemplifying the spirit of cross-bureau collaboration.

Guests, principals, teachers and students gathered at the venue to brandish their brushes together. With ink flowing freely and brushes dancing in unison, they created a spectacular scene and weaved a majestic masterpiece to celebrate National Day. This event not only showcased a passion for the art of calligraphy but also expressed heartfelt blessings from the Hong Kong school sector for the great motherland. They were willing to make concerted efforts to work together with one heart and one mind, do their utmost to contribute to the prosperity and advancement of the country.

The Hong Kong Island School Heads Association, the Kowloon Region School Heads Association, and the New Territories School Heads Association were supporting organisations of the event. All participating students will receive a certificate of participation, and 75 outstanding student calligraphy works will be selected for awards and exhibition.

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

EDB hosts first large-scale primary and secondary school calligraphy event Calligraphy 1 000+ to celebrate National Day Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SHYA meets with Director of Sichuan Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office

​​The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (October 15) met with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, Ms Zhang Tao, to exchange views on enhancing youth development and exchanges and on district governance work between Sichuan and Hong Kong. The Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, also joined the meeting.

​Miss Mak welcomed the delegation led by Ms Zhang. Miss Mak said that Hong Kong and Sichuan have had a close relationship and much to learn from one another. To enhance Hong Kong youth's understanding of the country, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has been actively taking forward various exchange and internship programmes. Some of them cover Sichuan (e.g. the Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park under the Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland) and receive staunch support from the Sichuan authorities, providing diversified exchange and internship opportunities for Hong Kong youth. With regard to district governance, the HKSAR Government has been striving to provide quality service and build a better community through the District Councils (DCs) and District Services and Community Care Teams, which is consistent with Sichuan's objective. Miss Mak said that HYAB had arranged a series of training and study programmes for DC members, including arranging DC members to go by batches to Zhejiang Province and Shanghai to learn about the country's principles on grassroot governance and undertake site visits to learn their experiences in undertaking grassroot governance work, so as to continuously enhance DC members' capabilities in discharging their duties; and that the work in this regard would continue in future.

​Miss Mak looks forward to deepening the cooperation on youth development and exploring mutual exchange on district governance work with Sichuan, and to contribute to the country's development needs.

SHYA meets with Director of Sichuan Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SHYA meets with Director of Sichuan Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases