Education Bureau and Hong Kong Geographical Association co-organise National Geography Fun Fair (with photos)
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The Education Bureau held the National Geography Fun Fair today (February 15). The Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, officiated at the opening ceremony and presented awards to schools and students who actively participated in the Geography Online Game Platform for Understanding Our Motherland developed by the Education Bureau.
The fun fair was co-organised by the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Geographical Association, and supported by the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies of the Education University of Hong Kong, the Department of Geography of the University of Hong Kong, the Department of Geography and Resource Management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Department of Geography of the Hong Kong Baptist University.
The fun fair, held at Lok Fu Place, aims to enhance students’ and the public’s understanding of national geography, as well as the developments and achievements of the country through display boards and booth games, thereby heightening the sense of national identity and national pride.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fun fair, Dr Sze pointed out that national geography education is an important element of national education. The study of national geography can help students understand the various geographical situations currently faced by the country and the world, the uniqueness of different regions in the country, and the interrelationships between the country and other nations. It can also assist students to extend their concern for geographical situations from a local and national scale to a global scale, enabling them to become responsible citizens with a global perspective. The opening ceremony also showcased the Education Bureau’s continued support and promotion of national geography education.
There were eight booth games and display boards in the fun fair to let students and the public understand the country’s administrative divisions, natural environment, the relationship between climate and daily life, exotic animals, tourist attractions, historical sites, energy and sustainable development, etc. The participants were engaged and excited. They said they felt that it was easier to learn about national geography through interaction and games, and that their impressions were more profound.
The Education Bureau will continue to develop learning and teaching resources and organise teacher training and student activities to enhance students’ understanding of the country, thereby fostering their sense of belonging, national identification and responsibility towards it.