Secretary for Education Eddie Ng today visited Po Leung Kuk Li Tsui Chung Sing Memorial Kindergarten in Hung Hom, one of the schools preparing to implement the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme.
Describing the free quality kindergarten education policy as a new milestone, Mr Ng said the Government’s annual expenditure on kindergarten education will increase from $4 billion to $6.7 billion in the 2017-18 school year.
"It is estimated that about 70% to 80% of half-day kindergarten places will be free,” he said, citing the kindergarten he visited today as an example.
The non-profit-making kindergarten offers nursery (K1), lower kindergarten (K2) and upper kindergarten (K3) classes.
In addition to offering morning and afternoon sessions, it enrols students in whole-day sessions based on their parents' needs.
Mr Ng observed the kindergarten's induction activities for students and met its principal and teachers to discuss the new policy.
He said recent discussions with parents indicated the new policy will help relieve their financial burden and enable children to enjoy quality kindergarten education.
Po Leung Kuk Chairman and Chief School Supervisor Dr Eleanor Kwok said there are about 50 kindergartens under the Po Leung Kuk and 90% of those offering half-day services can be free under the new policy.
"The rest will reduce their school fees substantially with the benefit of the subsidy under the new policy," she added.
Concluding his visit, Mr Ng said he looks forward to continued support from both the kindergarten sector and parents as their concerted efforts will promote the sustainable development of quality kindergarten education.
