Primary pupils return to school with mixed emotions as well-being campaign rolls out

Primary school pupils across Hong Kong returned to class on Tuesday, a mix of emotions filling the air as they embarked on a new academic year. Education Secretary Christine Choi Yuk-lin visited Hong Kong Taoist Association Wun Tsuen School, where she unveiled a new campaign to enhance student well-being. Choi's initiative, called "Forging Relationships, Nurturing Well-being," encourages peer support to curb bullying and aims to foster healthy mental, physical, and spiritual growth.

At the school, 11-year-old Prabhleen Kaur, a Primary Six student, expressed mixed feelings about the return to school. While she was thrilled about the new experiences coming her way, she also felt anxious due to the impending exams. "I feel pretty excited because it's something new and I can't wait for the future. But I'm also scared because of the challenges along the way," she admitted.

Prabhleen's main goals for the year include improving her academic performance and participating in extracurricular activities like the school choir and English debate competitions.

Her best friend, Liyana Samreen, also shared her apprehensions about the upcoming secondary school placement. Liyana, who moved to Hong Kong when she was two, suggested forming study groups during recess or lunchtime to manage the academic workload. Despite the stress, Liyana was excited to see her friends again and reconnect after the summer break.

For seven-year-old Jayden Yan Pak-kiu, a Primary Two student, the first day back to school brought butterflies in his stomach and a sense of nervousness. He expressed concerns about making new friends and set a personal goal to become a more hardworking child this year. His parents gave him a chocolate sandwich and encouraged him with the words, "Don't give up!" as he stepped into the school.

Education Minister Choi highlighted the government's commitment to supporting student well-being, promising continued investment in both hardware and software to create a better learning environment for students.