Education

Recruitment in the education sector is far from satisfactory. It is currently very difficult for graduates of the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) to find employment.

Many schools employ teachers on yearly contracts. As a teacher is required to renew their contract every year, if a school chooses not to renew it, the teacher will find themselves out of a job. In April and May, when the school year is coming to an end, teachers start worrying about their future. This can affect their morale and the quality of their teaching.

Another problem is schools employing fewer and fewer teachers or even ceasing employment altogether. When current staff retire, schools will lack skilled teachers to take their place. It will be students who suffer the most.

Facing dim job prospects, some HKIEd students have chosen to leave the institute and search for other employment opportunities.

Mervyn Cheung, chairman, Hong Kong Education Policy Concern Organisation
As told to Chiu Po-sze