From 'Biglychee.com'
http://biglychee.com/blog/2010/08/19/a-primary-school-like-no-other-in-hong-kong-part-2/
A primary school like no other in Hong Kong, part 2
The persecution of Lantau International School at the hands of murky ‘rural interests’ and the Environmental Protection Department continues, with the Noise Control Appeal Board confirming the validity of a noise reduction order. When outside during playtime, the kids create a noise level of 62dB, which, in plain English, could be worse. But it’s 2dB above the limit for the area, known for its graveyard-like silence and its local residents’ extreme aural hypersensitivity. So LIS has to find a way to cut the din.
The South China Morning Post reports the matter as one of a villager called Jenny Tam driven to torment by children laughing and playing music (as, in all frankness, I would be). An alternative story is one of apparent collusion between the EPD and the local village leadership who seem to have it in for the racially mixed institution; another school in the neighbourhood, full of all-Chinese students, can carry on as usual.......continued (follow link)
1 comment:
LIS is a great school with fantastic staff who have the full support of the parents. Most people would like to see the school bought out & the relationship with the community repaired under new ownership.
Bui O is also good school but it is Chinese lang only (with mixed-race cohort, most have been there from P1 & mastered Cantonese ).But it is madness to think a P4 child with English lang only, could benefit from lessons spoken in a language they can't understand?
Their educational progress would come to a halt for a year or two.
This campaign is an unpleasant business & not about noise. It is an outrage that this harrassment continues, seemingly aided by a Government body.
The EB & TPB gave permission for a school, why are other Government departments undermining this?
62 decibels is the level of bird song. if this is too loud, then what level IS appropriate for a school?
The children are becoming increasingly stressed by the need to be silent & feel (wrongly) it will be their fault if the school closes . What of children with behavourial problem who may trigger another $20,000 fine?
The children have a human right to play, as part of their development & education
They sense the ill will from a certain sector of the village. What kind of people use primary students as a vent for their anger ?
This is not a brothel, a polluting factory or a night club. It's a primary school. There is something very wrong here. Who should be sorting this out?
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