Vetting of the first tranche of applications to the Quality Education Fund (QEF) has been completed. On the advice of the Quality Education Fund Steering Committee (QEFSC), a total of 290 projects, involving grants of $206 million have been approved by the Trustee of the QEF, the Director of Education Incorporated today (Monday).
"I am pleased to note that all these projects are directed towards raising the quality of education in Hong Kong. The projects will provide immense impetus for the education sector in developing students' potential and in improving the effectiveness of school education," said Mr. Joseph Wong, Secretary for Education and Manpower.
"The approved projects represent a wide variety of efforts in promoting the quality of teaching and learning, developing all-round education, improving school-based management, as well as conducting educational research. Important areas like the application of information technology in schools, school-based curriculum, innovative instructional methods, and extra-curricular activities are covered."
"I am glad to see that not only schools from the pre-primary, primary, secondary and special education sectors have put in applications, but tertiary institutions, school sponsoring bodies and other education bodies have responded enthusiastically."
"The quality and variety of successful projects demonstrate very clearly the enormous potential of front-line educators in improving the quality of education. I believe the QEF will continue to be an effective vehicle in channelling financial resource in support of worthwhile school-based initiatives," said Mr. Joseph Wong.
During the QEF's first call for applications, between 5 March and 30 April this year, a total of 2 367 applications were received. Where necessary, the advice of external experts was sought to assist in the assessment process. Throughout the vetting period, the QEFSC and its Secretariat have maintained an open dialogue with individual project leaders.
"I and Members of the QEFSC are satisfied that each of the 290 successful projects has fulfilled the stated criteria for the allocation of grants under the broad objective of the QEF. The remaining 1 600 or so projects are at an advanced stage of assessment, and we aim to complete the vetting of all projects around mid-August," said Mr. Irving Koo, Chairman of the QEFSC.
"The QEFSC and its Secretariat will work in collaboration with grantees to ensure that the intended results of funded projects are achieved, and the project outcomes are properly evaluated. We will also ensure that the experience and good practices of successful projects will be disseminated as widely as possible within the education sector."
"Applicants who fail to get funding this time need not despair as calls for applications are made twice a year," added Mr. Koo.
Monday, July 13, 1998