Permanent Secretary for Education & Manpower Fanny Law has congratulated nine local schools for winning the 2006 Inviting School Award.

Officiating at the celebration and sharing session for the award winners, Mrs Law said it is an exceptional honour not only for the schools concerned, but also for Hong Kong, as they have put the city at the top in Asia for having the largest number of the awards.

The nine schools are the Church of Christ in China Tam Lee Lai Fun Memorial Secondary School, Ling Liang Church MH Lau Secondary School, Lai King Catholic Secondary School, Chung Sing Benevolent Society Mrs Aw Boon Haw Secondary School, Ching Chung Hau Po Woon Secondary School, TWGHs Yow Kam Yuen College, SKH Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School, Tai Po Old Market Public School (Plover Cove) and Anchors Kindergarten & International Nursery.

Award objectives

With its origin in the US, the award aims to promote teaching excellence in different regions through activities ranging from seminars, workshops and sharing sessions to visits.

Starting in 2000, the organiser has been inviting Hong Kong schools to participate in the award which has seen trips to the US by Hong Kong teachers and students together with reciprocal visits by their American counterparts.

Mrs Law said Hong Kong's education is going through major changes to better prepare youngsters in meeting new demands arising from globalisation and the knowledge economy.

"Thanks to the hard work of our teachers, we have seen encouraging results and a positive impact on students."

Outstanding achievement

Notwithstanding a relatively late start in launching the education reform, Hong Kong has achieved a lot over the past five years through the concerted efforts of teachers, principals, school sponsors and the Government, she said.

"Our curriculum framework is recognised internationally as professional and progressive. Our students have fared well in international assessments and competitions. Our principals and teachers are responsive, hardworking, dedicated and innovative.