Keep away, Mui Wo tells drugs school
Beatrice Siu
Monday, June 15, 2009
Tears flowed as Mui Wo residents
refused to let Christian Zheng Sheng
College move to Mui Wo at yesterday’s
meeting.
Pak Tai-chung, 17, who has studied at
the college for two years, was charged with
drug trafficking two years ago and put on
probation.
Twenty receive financial support from the Department of
Health or Social Welfare Department, while the remainder do
not, according to the Narcotics Division of the Security
Bureau.
The college wants to take over the
former premises of the New Territories
Heung Yee Kuk Southern District
Secondary School, which was closed in
2007.
Pak, who wants to go to university, has
also learned vocational skills at college,
including woodcraft.
Christian Zheng Sheng College is registered as private
and does not receive funds from the government.
Opponents claim they are not
discriminating against the students, but
fear the move may harm tourism.
Principal Alman Chan Siu-cheuk said
the college now has 121 students, more
than double its capacity.
"Besides being overcrowded, it also
faces the risk of landslides," Chan said.
Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee
Siu-kwong called on both parties to
engage in peaceful and reasonable
dialogue.
"The government understands how
local residents feel, but the college has a
positive contribution to re-educate the
young drug abusers."
However, students with financial difficulties may apply
for aid under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance
Scheme.
"I was shorttempered, reckless and
impatient before, but I
have changed since
getting into college. I
have learned to get
along with my
classmates, instead of
fighting them as
before," he said.
"I hope the
residents will
understand more about
us and our school."
Currently, there are
39 drug treatment and
rehabilitation centers
run by 17
non-government
organizations in Hong
Kong.
Christian
Zheng Sheng
College
principal
Alman Chan,
inset, faces
angry Mui Wo
residents who
oppose the
school’s
planned move
to their area.