| Government aims to provide an open and liberal environment (with photo) |
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The Government was firmly committed to providing an open and liberal environment in which talent from all racial and cultural backgrounds could thrive and make their best contribution for the betterment of our society, the Deputy Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Howard Chan, said today (July 9). Speaking at the Harmony Scholarships Presentation Ceremony, Mr Chan said Hong Kong, as a world city, prided itself on the diversity of its peoples and cultures. Mr Chan said learning to understand and respect people with different ethnic or racial background in the community was a first step in promoting racial harmony. He commended the Harmony Scholarship awardees for their excellent work and exemplary character as well as their families, teachers, school principals, fellow students and friends whose love and support were instrumental in the awardees' development. The Harmony Scholarship Scheme was first launched in 2003-04 to give recognition to schools which had taken the initiative to admit a significant number of ethnic minority students. This year, 40 scholarships, worth a total of $140,000, were awarded to students from 15 schools, comprising 24 students from 12 different primary schools and 16 students from three secondary schools. The recipients were selected on the basis of their academic results, conduct and participation in school and community services, in particular racial harmony building activities. In line with the principle of equal opportunities, the scholarship was open to all students of the schools irrespective of their racial or ethnic background. The primary school awardees each received a scholarship of $2,500 and those from secondary schools each received a scholarship of $5,000. Ends/Monday, July 9, 2007
Harmony Scholarships Presentation Ceremony The Deputy Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Howard Chan (back row, second right) in a group photo with the recipients at the Harmony Scholarships Presentation Ceremony. |
