National Education in Hong Kong
The purpose of national education is to increase care and awareness of Chinese issues. The students have the right to know the good and bad sides of China as they have the opportunity to know the truth.
In 21st century, Hong Kong is having increasing interactions with China no matter in businesses or other activities, if we, Hongkongers, want to develop a close relationship with China, it is crucial to understand the history and culture.
Moreover, Hong Kong had British colonial government, which made no efforts in promoting Chinese culture, the previous generation has serious insufficient comprehension about China in all aspects. In other words, Hong Kong is isolated. We are Hongkongers yet still Chinese, it is important to share the same core values in order to work hand in hand with China.
National education lessons are only taught in junior secondary school, involving multi-aspects like health, environment, politics and history, conducted by means of free discussions and forums etc, and topics can be selected freely.
Since no exams should be implemented, students would not be given pressure; instead, it is a more relaxing way to know the correct knowledge which would probably beneficial to them in future career.
Surely Chinese History lessons cannot replace national education because it only talks about the history of China while no other aspects are discussed.
Some may also worry about the tight schedule if we include national education as a compulsory subject. However, DSE curriculum starts officially in senior form and national education lessons are only conducted in junior, limited harm would be done to students.
To conclude, we think that national education should definitely be a compulsory subject in secondary school due to the reasons listed above.