National education: Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang and Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Li Gang present a flag to Secretary for Education Michael Suen (centre).

Hong Kong students should take the opportunity to garner first-hand knowledge about the Mainland, its people and culture, and its current situation, Secretary for Education Michael Suen says.

Speaking at the student national education programme series delegation launch ceremony today, Mr Suen said more than 1,000 students and teachers have the chance to learn about the richness of Chinese culture and see the Mainland's development through exchange activities in Beijing organised by the Education Bureau. He said students will have a better understanding of Mainland people's sentiments and happenings through contact and exchanges with Mainland students.

The Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang and the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Li Gang officiated at the ceremony.

The bureau has co-ordinated the programme series, which aims to consolidate various community sector efforts and Government departments in organising Hong Kong student exchange activities on the Mainland.

Delegation members will start attending seminars and courses in Beijing on December 20. They will also visit schools for exchange programmes, participate in tours, attend the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, and visit Olympic Games sites.

The delegation will also attend courses on the Mainland's political system, education system, economic and rural development, and on the Basic Law and One Country, Two Systems principal. Mr Suen and guests will meet the members at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing December 24.