Welcome to "Home in Hong Kong"!

Hello, super students! Ready to go on an adventure? In this chapter, we won't be exploring a jungle or outer space. Instead, we're going to explore something just as exciting – our amazing home, Hong Kong! We will learn what makes Hong Kong special, how it is run, and how we can all be great citizens. Understanding this helps us know our home better and be a helpful part of our community. Let's begin!


1. Hong Kong's Special Name and Constitutional Basis

What is an SAR?

You might have heard Hong Kong being called the HKSAR. What does that stand for? It means Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

That's a long name, but it's simple to understand! Think of it like this:

Imagine China is a giant, wonderful house. Hong Kong is a very special room inside that house. This special room is part of the big house (China), but it has its own set of rules for many things, like its own money (Hong Kong Dollars) and its own legal and education systems.

So, being a Special Administrative Region means Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, established under the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law. These two important documents form the constitutional foundation of Hong Kong and establish the principle of "One Country, Two Systems".


Key Takeaway

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Under "One Country, Two Systems", it exercises a high degree of autonomy in managing its local affairs in accordance with the Basic Law.


2. The Big Family Connection

Who's in charge?

Just like in a family, there are different people with different jobs. In our country, there are two main levels of leadership we should know about:

  • The Central Authorities: This is the central government of China, based in Beijing. They exercise overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR and handle major national matters such as national defence and foreign affairs.
  • The HKSAR Government: This is our local government, right here in Hong Kong, headed by the Chief Executive. They manage Hong Kong's daily affairs, such as public healthcare, education, transport, and local social services.

The Central Authorities grant executive, legislative, and independent judicial power to the HKSAR, and both levels work together for the nation's security and prosperity.


Key Takeaway

The Central Authorities handle national defence and foreign affairs, while the HKSAR Government manages our local, everyday affairs. The constitutional order is established jointly by the PRC Constitution and the Basic Law.


3. Helpers in Our Community

From the Whole City to Your Neighbourhood

The HKSAR Government takes care of the whole city. But to support everyday community life, district organisations and services work closely with the government.

  • The HKSAR Government: Plans major citywide infrastructure, manages public hospitals, and oversees educational policy across Hong Kong.
  • District Governance Bodies: Under the reformed district governance system, organisations like District Councils serve as advisory and consultative bodies to advise the government on local district matters. In addition, District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) and local committees work right in our neighbourhoods to help residents, support the elderly, and assist in emergencies.

These local helpers connect residents with the government, ensuring community needs are heard and supported.


Quick Review Box

HKSAR Government = Manages citywide policies and services.
Example: Runs the public hospital network across Hong Kong.

District Councils and Care Teams = Provide local advice and community support.
Example: Assisting local residents and advising on neighbourhood facilities.


4. Our Rights and Responsibilities

Being a Great Citizen!

As residents of Hong Kong, we have special things called rights and important duties called responsibilities. It's like a seesaw – we need to balance both!

Our Rights (What we are given)

Rights are protected by the Basic Law. For example:

  • The right to receive an education.
  • The right to equality and personal safety under the law.
  • The right to vote and stand for election in accordance with the law when reaching adulthood.

Hong Kong's electoral system is established under the principle of "Patriots administering Hong Kong", ensuring that those who govern love the country and the city and work for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity.

Our Responsibilities (What we should do)

Responsibilities are our essential duties to our community and our country. For example:

  • The responsibility to obey the law and safeguard national security.
  • The responsibility to keep our city clean by not littering.
  • The responsibility to respect the rights and customs of others.
Did you know?

A memory trick! Think R&R. In Hong Kong, we enjoy Rights and fulfil our Responsibilities. You can't have one without the other!


Key Takeaway

We all have rights (such as education and safety) and responsibilities (such as obeying the law, upholding national security, and respecting others). Being a good citizen means fulfilling our civic duties.


5. How YOU Can Get Involved

Participation in Local Affairs

You don't have to be a grown-up to make a difference! Participation in local affairs means taking part in things that make our community better. Even as a student, you can:

  • Join a community clean-up day at the beach or a park.
  • Participate in charity and volunteering events organised in your district.
  • Help your family sort the recycling at home to protect our environment.
  • Take good care of the facilities at your local library, park, and swimming pool.

Every small action helps make our home a better place. You are an important part of our community!


6. Speaking Up the Right Way

Ways to Express Opinions

What if you have a great idea to improve your neighbourhood? Or what if you see something that could be improved? There are proper channels and ways to express opinions.

It’s important to share your ideas politely, lawfully, and through the right channels. You can:

  1. Talk to an Adult: Tell your parents, teachers, or school councillors your idea. They can help guide you.
  2. Contact District Organisations: Reach out to your local District Council or community Care Team office with suggestions for local neighbourhood improvements.
  3. Use Official Government Channels: Many government departments provide hotlines, official websites, and public suggestion boxes to gather public feedback.

Remember, the goal is to help our community, so it's always best to be respectful, constructive, and law-abiding when sharing your thoughts.


7. Why Rules Are Cool

The Importance of Law and Order

Imagine playing a game of tag with no rules – it would be confusing and not very fun! Our city is the same. We need rules to make sure everyone is safe and treated fairly. That's what observing law and order means.

Laws are rules for everyone in Hong Kong. Following them is one of our most fundamental civic responsibilities.

  • They keep us safe: Traffic laws tell cars to stop at red lights so we can cross the street safely.
  • They protect our security: Laws safeguard social stability and national security so everyone can live and study in peace.
  • They keep things fair and orderly: When everyone follows the rules, our community runs smoothly and remains a peaceful place to live.

So, following the rules isn't boring – it's how we all work together to take care of each other and our amazing city!


8. We Are All Neighbours!

Harmony in Our Community

Walk around Hong Kong and you'll see people from many different backgrounds! Our city is a wonderful mix of diverse traditions and cultures. To make sure everyone feels welcome and happy, we need to maintain harmony with members of different communities.

Harmony means getting along peacefully and treating each other with mutual respect. How can we do this?

  • Be Kind: Treat everyone with kindness and empathy, no matter their background.
  • Be Respectful: Listen to others' ideas and be respectful of their customs, beliefs, and traditions.
  • Be Curious: Learn about different cultures! Try new foods, learn greetings in different languages, and celebrate diverse festivals together.
Did you know?

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city where Chinese culture is the core while embracing diverse global influences. This cultural richness makes our home vibrant and unique!


Key Takeaway

By showing respect and kindness to people from all different communities, we help build an inclusive, lawful, and happy harmony in our home, Hong Kong.