SED visits Paris
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited Paris September 12 and 13 (France time) and called on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the French National Research Agency.
On September 12 (France time), Dr Choi first visited UNESCO and met its Director of the Future of Learning and Innovation Team, Dr Sobhi Tawil, to discuss the latest trends in global education development. She said that Hong Kong strives to enhance the quality of education to provide better education for children, nurturing them to become virtuous, knowledgeable and responsible lifelong learners with global perspectives, positive values and attitudes, and love for the country and Hong Kong, who are ready for future challenges and opportunities. She looked forward to more collaborations with the international community including UNESCO for the betterment of children.
She then met members of the Directorate for Education and Skills of the OECD to discuss how best to improve the quality of teachers, teaching and learning, as well as the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that students need in the 21st century, as well as new knowledge on curriculum design, implementation and evaluation.
On September 13 (France time), Dr Choi paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to France, Mr Lu Shaye, to introduce Hong Kong's latest education policies and initiatives.
On the same day, she visited the French National Research Agency and met its Scientific Operations Director, Mr Dominique Dunon-Bluteau. She said that the Joint Research Scheme rolled out by the Agency and the Hong Kong Research Grants Council in 2012 has awarded close to 40 projects so far. The research partnership between Hong Kong and France not only has fostered significant research projects, but also has strengthened the bonds between the French and Hong Kong academic and research communities. Both sides have agreed to further enhance collaboration to bring more impactful research results to the communities.
On September 14 (France time), Dr Choi will meet Hong Kong youth studying or working in France to learn about their studies and career development there. She will also share Hong Kong's latest developments with them.
Dr Choi will attend the closing ceremony of WorldSkills Lyon 2024 on September 15 (France time).
SED visits Paris Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED visits Paris Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED visits Paris Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SED visits Paris Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.
"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.
The public should adopt the following precautions:
Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.
