To enhance Hong Kong students' understanding of the Chinese mainland and strengthen their sense of national identity, a group of Hong Kong student leaders will attend a newly launched course in Beijing.

The 11-day national education course will highlight current developments in mainland and allow the students to share experiences and interact with the mainland students.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa officiated at a flag presentation ceremony of the "Award Scheme for Hong Kong Student Leaders: National Education Course" at Government House Tuesday.

All of the 180 participants are expected to take a leading role in promoting national education at schools upon completion of the course.

"During the trip, we will be received by officials of the central government in the Great Hall of the People," said Wu Ka Man, a participant in the course who, like the others, wore a crisp white shirt emblazoned with the Brand Hong Kong "flying dragon" and a burgundy tie on which the dragon is also embossed.

The students will also interview Chinese first spaceman Yang Liwei and some Olympic games champions. "These are golden opportunities that come once in a lifetime," Wu added.

"I hope that I will gain a better understanding about the development of China," said Lee Yi Kam, another participant. She is interested in the topic of law and will try to compare the different views Beijing and Hong Kong students have on the topic.

The course will be held from July 11 to July 21 at the Renmin University of China and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. It will include lectures on Chinese history and culture, and recent economic, political and technological developments in mainland.

The students will also go on visits to places of interest and participate in sharing sessions.
 
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2004)