China News Service, Hong Kong, February 25th: Title: President of the Education University of Hong Kong talks about enhancing youth identity: deepening "informed thoughts and actions"
China News Service reporter Zeng Ping and Liu Dawei
Since taking up his duties last year, his new status as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference of Hong Kong has brought many new experiences to Li Zijian, President of the Education University of Hong Kong, that are different from academic studies.
Looking across the country, preparing proposals, and facing the media, this well-known education expert considers himself a "newcomer" to the CPPCC, so he regards the performance of his duties as a "learning course" in life.
On February 23, Li Zijian, President of the Education University of Hong Kong, accepted an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Service.
Photo by China News Service reporter Chen Yongnuo
The Education University of Hong Kong is the only one among the eight public universities in Hong Kong that focuses on teacher education and shoulders the important task of cultivating future teachers.
As the old saying goes, "If the teacher is not strict, the teacher will be lazy."
On the eve of this year's National Two Sessions, Li Zijian accepted an exclusive interview with a China News Service reporter on the national identity of Hong Kong youth and the legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law on the campus of the Education University, which is built on a mountain.
Li Zijian believes that the construction of national identity is an internalized and continuously strengthened process of self-cultivation and self-identification.
Education should play an important role in promoting this deepening process, and society also needs to mobilize its forces.
He used "knowledge, intention and action" to explain its connotation.
"Knowledge" means having an understanding of the country's history, culture and current situation.
If you don’t understand it, it’s hard to say you agree. Even if you agree, it may not be a complete agreement. A good way to increase your understanding is to go to the mainland to experience it more.
"Emotion" means feelings will arise from more experiences and contact, "Yi" means persevering in will and distinguishing right from wrong, and "Xing" means having positive behavior.
Li Zijian believes that identity is not just a slogan, but an overall and all-round expression of the above-mentioned points.
Taking himself as an example, he said that identity construction is affected differently at different stages of life.
In early elementary school and junior high school, parents and teachers have the greatest influence, while in high school students have greater influence from classmates.
At a certain stage, you need to find an opportunity to go to the mainland in person.
In today's era, you should also pay attention to the information released by the media.
"I am very fortunate to have met many very patriotic teachers, and I am also very fortunate to have family members who often tell me about the development of the country. These have planted positive seeds," Li Zijian said.
On February 23, Li Zijian, President of the Education University of Hong Kong, accepted an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Service.
Photo by China News Service reporter Chen Yongnuo
It is obvious to all that Hong Kong has eliminated many factors that are not conducive to cultivating the national identity of Hong Kong people in recent years. However, Li Zijian feels that "there is always room for progress."
He agreed that the formation of national identity does not happen overnight, but this matter "does not have to be done slowly."
Because important things must be placed in the highest position first, and we cannot rely solely on one person or a group of people. We must unite and influence the positive forces around us.
This is exactly what Li Zijian did after taking office as principal.
He established Hong Kong's first National Security and Legal Education Research Center at the Education University, which originally did not have a law school, allowing the Education University to bring together authoritative experts in the industry to provide knowledge protection and control for the school's courses and provide training for relevant groups.
Li Zijian is confident that in today’s stable environment, the National Security and Legal Education Research Center of the University of Education can do a better job in national security and rule of law education, so that teachers, classmates, and even the public can better understand the spirit of the rule of law and know how to respect and abide by the law. importance.
The SAR government is currently conducting public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law.
Li Zijian believes that the completion of the legislation will make the lives and jobs of Hong Kong citizens more secure.
"Academic freedom is about conducting rigorous, rigorous and professional work within an existing reasonable framework." He said that the legislation will make academic freedom more secure and allow Hong Kong people to better develop their talents under appropriate circumstances.
When he decided to enter the education field, Li Zijian once asked in his heart: What impact do you hope your life will have?
After thinking about it, he felt that being able to positively influence others is unmatched by other professions. Therefore, teaching is a sacred and meaningful job.
Li Zijian, who is now the principal, still has this intention. He said: "I hope that the teachers we train can positively cultivate generations of young people who love the country and Hong Kong." (End)