Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Schools of Hong Kong will offer a new optional course on Morals and Religion starting in 2009. According to the Hong Kong diocesan bulletin Kong Ko Bao the decision was taken by the Diocesan Commission for Catholic Education during a meeting in early February. The Commission members agreed that “since the school curriculum is being revised we will take this opportunity to consolidate the Catholic character of education offered at our schools, particularly with regard to religion and morals, also to help achieve the mission indicated in 2001”.
At present in Catholic schools religious instruction is given two hours per week. The decision will oblige all Catholic schools to make at least two hours additional instruction in Morals and Religion available to pupils. The Commission said “Some may say that education in ‘Morals and Religion’ will not help pass exams, others might complain that there are not enough teachers or resources, only a few students would choose to take the course… we agree there are problems but instruction on morals and religion is most important for all-round education for which Catholic schools are renowned. Despite the difficulties we are determined to go ahead with the project”.
Hong Kong has 27 Catholic schools run by the diocese and about 320 run by Religious Institutes and by the local Caritas organisation. (NZ)(Agenzia Fides 23/02/2007 Righe: 29 Parole: 300)
