Rotary supporting education
Futures of Education
In September 2019, UNESCO launched the "Futures of Education" initiative to re-imagine how, in a world of increasing complexity, uncertainty, and precarity, knowledge and learning can shape the futures of humanity. From climate change and artificial intelligence to growing inequalities, UNESCO wants to respond to these challenges, as well as safeguard education and ensure the well-being of future generations.
Rotary has a long history of being a peacebuilder in the world and partner of service to UNESCO. Due to our organizations’ close relationship, we would thus like to seek insight from Rotarians on how the landscape of education should be changed. We are especially grateful for the contribution made to our local education system by Rotarians individually and collectively over the years.
Rotary fully supports the Futures of Education: Learning to Become initiative. RAGFP Hong Kong & Macao Chapter is gathering insights from Rotarians through a survey and interviews.
"Futures of Education" from the perspective of Rotarians
(in alphabetical order)
PDG Joseph Lee GBS, OStJ, JP
Rotary Club of Kowloon North
Former Vice-Chairman, Vocational Training Council
"The most important thing in education is to instil virtue. We should nurture ‘moral leaders’, who gain support from others, have good attitudes and the heart to serve the community. The ultimate purpose of Rotarian activities – that serving people and loving people are important – can help improve the educational system." [Translated]
PDG YK Cheng BBS, JP
Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East
Former Council Chair, Baptist University
"The days of intensive classroom teaching and learning might be a thing of the past. Rotary has a role to play in helping young people to get exposed to community needs.
Technical and liberal education, the latter focusing on the human element, need to be in balance."
CP Herman Hu SBS, JP
Rotary Club of Admiralty
Former Council Chair, City University of Hong Kong
"Rotary can offer a lot of things to train young people to become leaders, who are good listeners, and are able to accommodate differences and reduce conflicts. These qualities are especially important in this new era."
Professor Dr Samuel Leong
Rotary Club of Hong Kong (Honorary Member)
Former Deputy Director, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Future education should produce ‘smart humans’; their lifelong education should include the ‘art’ of humanising and harmonizing differences and anomalies made of 5Hs:
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nurture Humans (with heart);
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create Hope (in life);
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develop a sense of History;
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Hold on or Harness what was of sustainable value from the past;
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cultivate a sense of Humour.
PP Tim Lui SBS, JP
Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East
Chair, Education Commission
Education should produce what I call ‘adaptive responsible citizens’, which play a role in sustainability and act as responsible global citizens. They are equipped with:
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Multi-disciplinary skills;
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Communication and language skills;
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Fact-checking skills;
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Critical thinking mindset; and
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Whole-person development and positive moral values.