Briefs | Association calls for playground for all children

Chau Wai I, vice president of the Woman’s General Association of Macau, has proposed that the government include additional features within children’s playgrounds across the city to allow children of different physical conditions to play together. Chau pointed out that the children’s right to entertainment should not be restricted by their physical impediments. She also noted that the integration concept remains excluded from the design of recreational facilities across town, for instance the lack of slopes and facilities for handicapped children or children with visual or hearing impairments.

Most primary school classes have fewer than 35 students

More than 95 percent of Macau’s kindergarten and primary school classes consist of between 25 and 35 students, according to the latest report of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ). The report covers a total of 120 classes, from local kindergartens and primary schools. All these classes are defined as small classes, DSEJ said. Wong Kin Mou, head of the department of research and education resources, revealed that kindergartens that are part of the government’s free education network have an average of 29.2 students per class. Regarding primary and middle schools, the corresponding figures are 29.1 and 26.8, respectively. Classes not included in the government’s network can each have a maximum of 42 students.

IC opens applications for Young Musicians Competition

The Cultural Affairs Bureau is calling for applications for the 36th Macau Young Musicians Competition, which aims to encourage young, local musicians to explore their music potential.  This edition of the Competition, dedicated to Chinese and Western instruments and to vocal music, features 95 categories with elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. A number of prizes will be offered in each category, and the “grand champion of advanced level in solo category” will be awarded a scholarship, according to the IC. The application period will be open from April 4 to 15. Participants must hold a valid Macau SAR Resident identity card and must have been born on or after 1997 for instrument categories, or 1993 for vocal categories.