Your Voice: Cash handout won’t solve Hong Kong’s baby problem; schools should teach first aid (short letters)
- Government’s proposal to give HK$20,000 to couples having children is a temporary solution and doesn’t address rising cost of living, one student writes
- Another teen says schools should teach kids more practical skills, like how to take care of injuries
Hong Kong has introduced a few measures, such as cash handouts, to encourage people to have children. Photo: Xiaomei ChenHave something to say? Send us a letter using this Google form.
Hong Kong’s baby problem
Lam Lok-yiu, Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School
Although the government has started taking action to boost the city’s fertility rate, such as implementing a HK$20,000 cash bonus for having children and prioritising subsidised housing for couples with a newborn, these are only short-term solutions. We must look deeper into the issues behind the city’s low fertility rate.
Expensive living costs, lack of housing, and work stress are among the reasons why fewer people want to have children in Hong Kong. Not everyone can afford to start a family, and some people don’t want to. Everyone should have the autonomy to make their own decisions, especially when it comes to giving birth.
Even though HK$20,000 may help parents in the short term, it is not a sustainable, long-term solution. Raising a child costs much more than that, and many people in Hong Kong earn just enough money to get by and pay rent. They cannot afford to raise a child and do not have the time and emotional capacity to provide the child with a healthy life.
A handout is simply a band-aid and not a long-term fix.
Schools must teach first aid
Shereen Chung, Pope Paul VI College
Hong Kong places a lot of emphasis on academics, meaning that students miss out on learning practical life skills. But these things are important, and one that is especially vital to understand is basic first aid and how to take care of injuries.
Dealing with a wound incorrectly increases the chance of infection, and students who don’t know how to treat an injury risk getting germs in the wound.
It isn’t advisable or necessary to visit the clinic for minor injuries, like being mildly burned by a hot pot or bleeding lightly, because this risks overloading the city’s healthcare system. It is also important for students to learn how to take care of an injury that happens when they are alone to prevent it from getting worse.
Additionally, learning how to treat injuries can help people avoid scars, which could cause self-esteem issues.
Schools should take action and help students learn first aid and how to care for injuries. It is an important life skill that they may come to appreciate.
Importance of traditional art
Alice Chiu Tsz-ching, Pope Paul Vl College
Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage includes traditional Chinese arts and crafts. However, like many other places, urbanisation, globalisation, and changing societal values have had an adverse impact on preserving our traditions. For example, many artisans and craftsmen face economic difficulties and are forced to abandon their shops and seek alternative livelihoods.
Furthermore, the lack of awareness and support from the general public and the government hinders preservation efforts.
Hong Kong must protect and celebrate its cultural heritage and pay more attention to traditional art forms like bamboo pole noodle making, birdcage making, and bus sign painting before they disappear.
Conserving traditional Chinese arts and crafts brings numerous benefits to our society. They often depict historical events and mythology and represent the society of our times. By conserving these art forms, we can learn about the past, study the techniques and materials used, and gain a deeper understanding of the city.
In conclusion, traditional arts and crafts contain our cultural heritage and foster a sense of identity among Hong Kong people.
Prioritise social responsibility
Cindy Lixin, Valtorta College
Social responsibility is crucial for a better society. Regardless of their status, people should fulfil their social responsibilities and contribute to creating a positive community.
What does social responsibility mean for businesses? It means companies must do things that benefit society, even beyond what is legally required. This can include donating to charity or taking steps to protect the environment. Different stakeholders may have different expectations from a company in terms of social responsibility.
Unfortunately, some companies neglect their social responsibilities to save money or time. In one instance, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa allowed Shell to conduct exploration and seismic surveys for oil and gas despite objections from residents. This programme involved constant blasting for five months, causing significant harm to the earth’s crust. The seismic waves also had a devastating impact on marine life and ran the risk of oil spills, which would affect local communities and people who relied on fishing and eco-tourism for their livelihoods.
Business owners must act responsibly. By fulfilling their social responsibilities, they contribute to society, enhance their company’s reputation, and ensure long-term success. So why shouldn’t business owners prioritise social responsibility?