Teaching resources that use the recent visit to Hong Kong by China's first astronaut Yang Liwei have been posted on a web page of Hong Kong's Moral and Civic Education Section of the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) to promote moral and civic education.

The website, entitled "Perseverance and Commitment -- Space Mission of Yang Liwei" was designed by the Moral and Civic Education Section of EMB's Curriculum Development Institute.

Chief Curriculum Development Officer Cheung Wing-hung was quoted Monday by the local press as saying that moral and civic education should make reference to life experience and that teachers may use China's successful manned space mission, and the arduous training required for Yang Liwei to become an astronaut, as discussion topics for students.

"Such discussions, which may focus on individual, family, national and global aspects, serve to cultivate the students' sense of rising to challenges and accepting responsibilities, and to promote their awareness of national identity," Cheung was quoted by the Ta Kung Pao as saying.

The website contains basic information of China's space program, speeches given by Yang Liwei during his Hong Kong visit, questions and answers at his gathering with students. It gives examples of how schools can use Yang Liwei's story to develop students' values.

"The teaching resources will be useful for teachers in designing suitable activities related to moral and civic education," Cheung said.

Parents will also find materials on the website that they can use to teach their children about perseverance and commitment, caring for family members and setting life goals.

Cheung said that knowing about the history of China's space program and its future goals would enhance teachers' and students' appreciation of the challenges facing Yang Liwei and his colleagues on their way to fulfill the dream of exploring space.

"Our students can learn the spirit of perseverance from the astronauts while their sense of national pride will also be enhanced," he added.

(People's Daily December 8, 2003)