History center aims to nurture national identity

Hong Kong’s education sector on Friday established a non-governmental center to boost young people’s understanding of China’s history and help nurture a sense of national identity and patriotism.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ho Hon-kuen, principal of the Centre of National History Education (Hong Kong), said Chinese history education was the essence of national education.

Under the “one country, two systems” principle, he hoped the center could help create a social atmosphere conducive to appreciating Chinese national history in Hong Kong.

“Under the ‘one country’ principle, Hong Kong people should have some understanding of the country’s history,” added Ho.

One advantage of the center is that it brings together the city’s leaders in history education to serve as academic advisers, explained Ho. They include university professors, school teachers and curriculum directors.

Ho, also chairman of Education Convergence — a leading group of educators — said the center will focus on history education for young people.

It will organize thematic lectures, workshops and visits to the mainland to boost their knowledge of Chinese history, Ho explained.

The center will also devote itself to facilitating academic communication among teachers by holding seminars and presenting awards to reward outstanding history educators, Ho said.

It will also organize forums and events to stimulate enthusiasm for national history, he added.

Ho hopes this will help make Hong Kong into a center of national history, given its edge in academic freedom and freedom of speech.

The city’s No 2 official — Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kinchung — also spoke at the opening ceremony.

Cheung said every Chinese person had a responsibility to help broaden the younger generation’s understanding of the country’s history and cultivate a national identity.

He noted that this year marked the 21st anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up. Cheung said it was therefore a good time for Hong Kong people to learn more about their close relationship with the country.

He said the center created a good platform for young people to strengthen their understanding of national history and culture.

Every Chinese person has a responsibility to help broaden the younger generation’s understanding of the country’s history.”

Matthew Cheung Kin-chung,