New curriculum guide will bolster national identity in Hong Kong

Compared with the 2021 version, the 2026 Values Education Curriculum Framework places a stronger emphasis on “national identity”. Other values to be promoted are perseverance, respect for others, responsibility, commitment, integrity, benevolence, law-abidingness, empathy, diligence, filial piety and unity. The document serves as guidance for all government, aided, special and private schools to plan and implement values education at different levels.

Under the framework, Primary One to Three pupils should “gain a basic understanding of national affairs” and “feel proud to be Chinese”. Those in Primary Four to Six are expected to understand the importance of national unity and ethnic solidarity, and should learn to safeguard national security.

The direction is in line with the broader push in recent years for the Hong Kong public to better appreciate the achievements of and developments under the Communist Party’s leadership so as to cultivate a stronger awareness of safeguarding the interests of the country and the people. This is the foundation of a national identity, which was woefully inadequate, if not non-existent, until an awakening after the introduction of the national security law in 2020.

The reinforcement is as symbolic as it is pragmatic. By prioritising national identity among 12 core values to be embedded in the school curriculum, it addresses a long-standing gap in fostering patriotism from the earliest stages of schooling. Along with flag-raising, exchange tours on the mainland and other activities, it will help the younger generation cultivate a deeper sense of identification with the motherland as the city charts a new course of development under one country while keeping the strengths under two systems.