September marks the beginning of the new school year. The Congregation for Catholic Education released Instructions on “The identity of the Catholic school for a culture of dialogue” on 25 January 2022, the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle. The document clarifies that “the educational action pursued by the Church through schools cannot be reduced to mere philanthropic work aimed at responding to a social need, but it represents an essential part of the identity and mission of the Church.”
The Catholic Church in Hong Kong is the sponsoring body for around 250 schools, responding to the mission of the formation of responsible human beings. Many parents, regardless of their religious background, prefer Catholic schools for their children, which is a testament to the commitment of Church-run schools to their mission. During decades of service to society, they have carved a niche for themselves in developing spiritually vibrant, morally responsible, socially just and culturally sensitive global citizens.
However, the changing social landscape of the city poses newer challenges to schools in the new school year. During the past two years, the migration of young adults and students from Hong Kong has created a shortage of school staff and students. Over 4,000 teachers left their jobs in the current school year, compared to 2,380 in the previous year, according to a report released by the Education Bureau in May. Additionally, the figures reveal that 30,515 students left schools in Hong Kong during the current school year.
There is a brain drain when teachers leave Hong Kong and a talent drain when students opt for overseas study. However, this should be an opportunity to nurture a sense of family on our campuses. The education and formation of students in Catholic schools should extend beyond the classroom to include teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and family members.
Bringing Christ into the life of the school family is the only way to make oneself genuinely committed to the mission of the Church at school and outside school walls. It is achieved through constantly reminding our educators about the vision and mission of Catholic education. Catholic schools are called to be instruments of caring and life-giving environments, cultivating the core values of truth, love and life.
As the schools open in September, the universal Church will be celebrating the Season of Creation, praying and acting for the conservation of the environment. Church-run schools have an opportunity to start the academic year by educating the entire school community about our shared responsibility to take care of the planet—our common home.
A regular staff formation programme would ensure all the teaching and non-teaching staff are aware of their roles within the institutions. Schools must also encourage and support parents in their responsibility for the faith formation of their children. To effectively assist their children back home, parents should be offered formation programmes to help them understand the values the schools stand for.
Catholic education must guide the entire school family to grow in a spirit of prayer, nurture a sense of belonging to a community and infuse in them a commitment to social responsibility.
Jose, CMF
