Interflow (Networking)

1. Meeting with the Muslim Community Kindergarten

The PSA was invited to have a meeting with the Principal and the teachers of Muslim Community Kindergarten on Friday, October 31, 2008 from 10 to 12 noon. The purpose of such meeting was to observe the teaching methodology and overall school environment and to offer PSA’s professional help in streamlining the overall system. Rizwan, the educational officer and advisor, Wajid, the financial secretary and webmaster, Hafiz, the chairman, attended the meeting. First, they observed the lessons and then took a tour around the campus. After that they had a lengthy discussion with the principal and found out some quite useful information. The PSA has pledged to offer its assistance in matters of advising the kindergarten on managerial tasks, teaching techniques and promoting the school. The PSA will also soon prepare a report outlining recommendations for the kindergarten to heighten its competitive edge.

2. Speech at St. Margaret’s Co-educational English Secondary and Primary School

A program was jointly organized by St. Margaret’s Co-educational English Secondary and Primary School and Hong Kong Unison on May 24, 2008. Rizwan Ullah, the PSA educational officer and advisor, was invited to deliver a talk on ‘His study path and career development’. He started his talk by thanking the organizers for inviting him as a guest speaker. Then, in the first half of his speech, he focused on the study route that he has gone through. In the second half, he elaborated on conveying the importance of learning Chinese and furthering one’s education. The students responded positively to his advice.

3. Meeting with Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIED)

The HKIED invited PSA for a meeting to discuss issues surrounding community interpretation on July 29, 2008. Hafiz Mohammad, PSA chairman, and Rizwan Ullah, the educational officer and advisor, attended the meeting. A panel of three people received the PSA members and discussed a number of issues related to the interpretation. Hafiz gave a brief background to the Urdu language and Pakistani culture, while Rizwan shared some significant ideas on interpretation methodology and curriculum development. He also highlighted how PSA can assist and work with HKIED to carry out interpretation project. The ideas and information given by PSA were highly appreciated and a strong possibility of collaboration between HKIED and PSA was communicated. The full report on this issue will be publicized soon.

4. Meeting with VTC

A meeting with VTC was held in early August in 2008. Three members from PSA – Hafiz Mohammad, Rizwan Ullah and Malik Zohaib – attended the meeting. VTC reported that they have been running courses for NCSS for some time, but the attendance was not very promising. They also mentioned that they have sought assistance from different NGOs in this regard, but the number of people joining the courses has not shown any significant improvement. The PSA offered to assist if the VTC was willing to collaborate. Later, Mr Rizwan sent quite a number of F.5 graduates to VTC to get further information on the courses they offer and get enrolled.

5. Meeting with The University of Hong Kong (HKU)

The faculty of education of HKU invited PSA to share its views on Chinese Language learning on Wednesday, 20 August, 08. M Tariq, Rizwan Ullah and Hafiz Mohammad attended the meeting. The two professors, Linda TH Tsung and Chan Wai-man, asked a range of questions about general life in Hong Kong and our views on Chinese Language and culture. Hafiz and Tariq shared their general experiences about living in a predominantly Chinese society, while Rizwan, who has completed his masters in education and has written a dissertation on Chinese Language learning, shared about his everyday life in Hong Kong as well as gave some realistic and applicable suggestions on Chinese Language teaching for NCSS. Later, the two professors communicated the possibility of collaboration with the PSA in holding workshops for teachers in schools which accept NCSS. The idea was welcomed by the PSA.

6. Dawat-e-Islami Hong Kong

A prize-giving ceremony was held by Dawat-e-Islami on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at Tin Yiu Community Hall, Tin Shui Wai. The objective of this programme was to enhance children’s Islamic knowledge and inculcate love for reading as a life-long passion. PSA was invited as a distinguished guest. Hafiz, the PSA chairman, and Rizwan, the educational officer and advisor, attended the meeting. They met a number of people there and conveyed the PSA mission. They also had an exchange of ideas with Mr Shaffi, an influential figure in Tin Shui Wai community. He assured full cooperation in the matters of education on behalf of his community. Later, the PSA chairman was honoured to present the prizes to winning children. The representatives of Dawat-e-Islami also guaranteed cooperation to uplift the educational status of Pakistani community. They helped us distribute the PSA leaflets as well.