Cultivating correct values

Kou attributed this growing love of nation to the school's unremitting efforts to carry out patriotic education. His school is dedicated to cultivating youngsters' affinity of Macao and the nation. The facility－with a kindergarten, primary and secondary schools－has around 3,000 students. Most classes are taught in Cantonese.

"For educators, helping students cultivate correct values may be more important than imparting knowledge to them. Patriotic education, a fine tradition in Macao, helps pupils better understand the relationship between the city and the country. It's our responsibility to pass it on," he said.

Kou stressed that the key to patriotic education is not to "require" students to love the country, but to first increase their understanding and arouse their national consciousness.

The principal said that when Macao people get the chance to witness the nation's development and share pride in such accomplishments with compatriots, they are filled with appreciation for the country. This was evident when Yang Liwei－the first man China put in space－visited Macao in 2003, and also when Chinese medalists at the Beijing Olympic Games visited the region in 2008.