The Chinese national flags and the regional flags of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are seen in the Central district of Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu)

According to newly published guidelines for secondary and primary schools in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, students will receive an education in values aimed at instilling positive values and attitudes with Chinese culture as the backbone. 

The Education Bureau (EDB) of the HKSAR unveiled on Tuesday the Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version), prepared by the Standing Committee on Values Education under the Curriculum Development Council. 

An EDB spokesperson said this new framework is being launched on a trial basis this year, and officials will collect feedback from schools to enhance the curriculum, for full implementation in the next school year.

Schools are encouraged to build on existing foundations and step up efforts to foster the development of positive values and attitudes among students, in order to help them in facing opportunities and challenges in their studies, daily lives and growth with positive attitudes, according to the EDB's statement. 

In the framework, the EDB pointed out that Hong Kong must step up its efforts to promote national education to nurture a new generation with a national perspective, Hong Kong sentiment and international outlook, and a commitment to society after its year of social turmoil. 

It also highlights the necessity for students to nurture a sense of belonging toward the motherland from an early age, to help them correctly understand Chinese history, appreciate Chinese culture and traditional values, respect national symbols and signs, and understand the importance of the Constitution, the HKSAR Basic Law and national security, so as to cultivate a sense of national identity among students and help them understand their responsibilities, as Chinese people, to protect their families and the country. 

Schools will be provided with the needed resources, said the EDB, so that they can develop their own strategies and enlist the help of staff, parents and alumni in implementing this new values education framework.

Observers pointed out that Hong Kong's education sector is getting back on track in a number of aspects, and strengthening patriotic education is an important part.

Lingnan University informed its faculty, staff and students that it will raise the national flag every day starting in 2022 and hold flag-raising ceremonies and play the national anthem every Monday. 

Six additional flag-raising ceremonies will be held each year, on holidays such as National Day and the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, local media outlet Ta Kung Pao reported on Tuesday. 

Global Times