Beijing-bound: A winning team with a proposal for a day of activities to promote the Basic Law in schools was awarded a trip to the nation's capital in August.

Five teams of Form 3 and 4 students who joined the "Basic Law Promotion Day" Competition by submitting winning proposals for activities to promote the Basic Law in schools have been awarded a seven-day trip to Beijing in August.

Their proposals, with the theme of the implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems', include plans to hold intra-school competitions that cater for students' different ages and interests, dramas, and debates in Putonghua on issues relating to the Basic Law.

Other suggested activities include mock Mainland and Hong Kong court trials, a tongue-twisters contest on the Basic Law provisions and fun fairs featuring snacks with new names drawing inspiration from the Basic Law.

Co-organised by the Constitutional Affairs Bureau and the Education & Manpower Bureau, the competition aimed to increase student's interest in the Basic Law, enhance their understanding of the "One Country, Two Systems" concept and how the implementation of the mini-constitution affected their lives.

Extra-curricular activities teach Basic Law basics

At the prize presentation ceremony today, the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam said promotion of the Basic Law among students could be done effectively by engaging them in extra-curricular activities.

"We believe the activities thus organised will suit the tastes of the youngsters and the students because the ideas came from their peers," he said.

The bureau will give sponsorship of up to $10,000 to the award-winning schools to stage a "Basic Law Promotion Day" in October so as to put their proposals into practice.

The competition has drawn 68 entries from 53 schools. The winning teams were also awarded trophies, certificates and book coupons worth from $100 to $500 in addition to the Beijing trip where they will have the opportunity to visit government agencies and a secondary school.

Winner's list

Champion: St. Paul's School (Lam Tin) - Ivy Lam, Elaine Lam, Yolanda Yu, Gillian Lam, Sally Lui

First Runner-up: Madam Lau Kam Lung Secondary School of Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery - Ho Mei Kwan, Lee Sin Ting, Ma Po Yi, Pang Nga Yin, Man Ka Yiu

Second Runner-up: Diocesan Girls' School - Lillian Cham Wing Chi, Jamilla Li Wai Yan, Lo Yee Sum, Wan Sau Man

Merit Award: Fukien Secondary School (Siu Sai Wan) - Cheung Man Cheon, Ng Hiu Ping, Chiu Mei Yi, Pong King Lun, Wong Chi Kwan

Merit Award: Lai Chack Middle School - Wong Pui Man, Fu Tsz Fung, Chan Ka Yan, Chan Lai Chu, Ho Ying Ying