A territory-wide survey conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups found that young people generally held a positive attitude towards the pursuit of knowledge, with more than half polled revealing that they browsed and surfed the Internet, or read books to increase their knowledge outside the classroom.   A total of 43 per cent of respondents said that they went to the library frequently or occasionally.   Teachers were the most-commonly-cited persons who inspired young people to pursue knowledge, with only around 7 per cent, however, considering their parents as sources of inspiration, suggesting that their role was relatively weak.  Nevertheless, one in four said no one in particular had exerted any influence on them to pursue their knowledge.

 Most respondents encountered various barriers, or felt pressure when attempting to practice life-long learning.  The largest portion said that they were hindered by the limitations of time, while more than 85 per cent admitted that not continuing their education in today's society would make them feel inferior to others.  These findings suggest that in a knowledge-based society, the pursuit of knowledge adds pressure to young people. 

 The survey found that more than 85 per cent of respondents agreed that gaining knowledge was enjoyable, with another 64 per cent claimed that they were enthusiastic about following this pursuit.   Computer technology was the most popular subject that young people wanted to learn outside the classroom, followed by current issues.  Increasing their knowledge of inter-personal skills came third.

 More than 60 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the knowledge they acquired from school.  Respondents generally acknowledged the power of knowledge, with an overwhelming 96 per cent believing that knowledge facilitated one's career prospects.   More than 80 per cent of respondents believed that knowledge could make one become more respectable, and that knowledge could change one's destiny.  Some 76 per cent believed that knowledge could bring wealth.   In addition, more than 40 per cent of respondents stated that the greatest advantage of enriching one's knowledge was the improvement of ones own quality.   

 The telephone survey was conducted from 28 June to 3 July 2001.  A total of 521 young people, aged between 15 and 29, were successfully polled.  One-third of the respondents had interest in participating in general knowledge TV quiz shows, which offered money as the prize, while the remaining two-thirds thought otherwise.

 In response to the findings, the Federation encouraged young people to enrich their knowledge to face the challenges of an ever-changing knowledge-based society.  The Federation suggested young people to build upon those areas of knowledge that interested them.

 The finding, that only a very few of respondents considered their parents as sources of inspiration, prompted the Federation to encourage parents to be more positive in this regard.  This would help young people develop the spirit of life-long learning.

 

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