What is the government’s aim of the grant loan scheme? It seems that millions of dollars are given to students just for travelling overseas, while the needy do not get enough to pay for tuition fees and living expenses.

After reading the article “Hustling for money” (Varsity, March 1996, Pages 22-23) I was surprised by the ways students use to get grants and loans from the government’s Local Students Finance Scheme.

For many poor university students, gaining more money to pay for escalating tuition fees is always at the top of their agendas. Whenever they have time, such as between lessons, after school and during holidays, they devote themselves to earning money. Some even skip lessons for their jobs. Neither do they have time to use the sports facilities in the universities, nor could they appreciate the beautiful scenery on the campuses.

Undoubtedly, students can broaden their horizons by doing part-time jobs. However, what is the aim of tertiary education? Does it only target at giving students opportunities to learn through selling goods in the shops or having tutorial classes with children? The answer is absolutely negative. Students should acquire knowledge through attending lectures, participating in different projects and organizing activities.

It is high time that the government revised the present assistance scheme so that resources can be effectively allocated to the needy.

Nevertheless, the government is not the sole agent to be blamed. Is it really necessary for the students to receive money for luxuries? Why should they deprive the needy’s right of getting more government assistance? Students should behave themselves.

I appreciated your article on autistic children (Varsity, April 1996, Pages 36-37). It is too bad peopole felt the need to withhold names, as autism is nobody’s “fault”. Perhaps parents can come together for support and learning. Are there such groups in Hong Kong?

Please let your readers know that the expression “idiot savant” is considered obsolete in most places. Such people are now known by the kinder, and more accurate, term “autistic savant”.

I have passed on your article to the head of the West Virginia State (U.S.A.) chapter of the National Autism Society.

One can easily pick up various publications circulating among students in the campus. They are either various pamphlets published by student associations, or tabloids criticizing school policies. Nearly all are in Chinese. Varsity is an exception.

As 1997 is approaching, the relative importance of Chinese and English is becoming a more controversial issue. There is no doubt that Chinese is our first language as Hong Kong is a Chinese society. Yet, Hong Kong is also cosmopolitan; thus, English is a very important language that cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, in the view of most students, English seems to be an unfamiliar and distant language.

English publications should be encouraged. They can provide more chances for students to get exposure in English. Varsity is actually providing a good chance for students to improve their English.

Working against the trend is not easy. I hope Varsity can become more popular among students who are used to reading only Chinese publications. However, more professional pictures and better writing are needed in order to attract more student readers.

I am writing about the relationship between university lecturers and students.

I think that students and teachers in secondary schools have better communication. Secondary school students can meet their teachers everyday. It is easier for them to share their academic problems and worries with their teachers. On the contrary, meeting the lecturers twice a week is a rarity in universities.

University lecturers are more open-minded and liberal. Thus, they should have a close and friendly relationship with the students. However, they are too busy to build up such kind of relationship. Students are also less likely to talk to their lecturers.

Some students even do not know the names of their lecturers after finishing their courses. It seems that the lecturers are only their markers who just give them grades. It sounds rather ridiculous.

In my opinion, university students should take the initiative to talk to the lecturers. Probably, the lecturers will not refuse, as most of them are very nice.

I am a fortunate one. I have chances to talk to some of the lecturers in my department and share my problems with them. Sometimes, it seems strange to ask them trivial matters, but I can really learn more in talking with them. Besides, I find myself more committed to my studies when I have a better understanding of the lecturers.

Do not think the lecturers are gods who cannot be reached. They are actually ordinary people who are ready to help us. In order to narrow the gap between lecturers and students, we should take the lead.