More language projects approved by Language Fund
On the advice of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), the Director of Education, who is the Trustee of the Language Fund, has approved funds totalling $10.48 million for the second batch of 21 projects from the sixth call for applications to the Fund, bringing the total number of funded projects to 222 by the Language Fund and the total amount to $200.48 million.
Of the 21 approved projects, nine are Chinese projects and 12 are English ones. The Chinese projects include a multi-media Chinese language software for primary school students and three Putonghua projects: an exchange camp for youngsters, a teacher training course, and production of radio programmes and teaching kits for children.
Other approved projects include English language enhancement courses and activities, drama and poetry workshops, production of English drama, radio and TV programmes.
"We are pleased to see the wide range of language enhancement efforts – from school-based programmes, to community-wide activities. These 21 approved projects meet the criteria set by SCOLAR and will serve to further raise Chinese and English standards of Hong Kong students," Chairman of SCOLAR, Dr Daniel Tse Chi-wai said.
Two projects are research studies in response to SCOLAR's research tenders on language learning at the secondary school level. One will be analysing and evaluating the language used in junior secondary science textbooks in Chinese. The other will monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Native English-speaking Teacher Scheme.
"Results from these studies will be available in a year or two. They will help SCOLAR to advise the Government on language education policies," Dr Tse added.