Upon resumption of normal travel, Government Employees Association organised a delegation to Beijing for a ten-day national studies programme. Eric, who was stationed in Airport District, joined the course as an Executive Committee member of Hong Kong Traffic Warden’s Union. Two years after becoming a traffic warden in 2017, Eric witnessed rioters disrupting Hong Kong’s public security. Having risked attacks for helping clear roadblocks and restoring traffic, he recognised the importance of maintaining social order.

For Eric’s first visit to Beijing, the itinerary of the study trip was plentiful. Other than the classes, a tour of the Forbidden City and a trip to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising ceremony were also arranged. “After class every day, I would take the chance to tour the capital and witness the advancement of our country.”

The course contents spanning over the past and present covered not only the Constitution, but also the structure and composition of the government, as well as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong’s opportunities. Eric continued, “I was impressed by a lecture where the lecturer told us how the country was bullied by foreign powers in the past, I choked with sobs as it prompted me to think about how our country made the hard-earned achievements step by step.”

He admits that through participating in the course, he has not only gained a deeper understanding of our country, but also enhanced his sense of mission to serve the community. Furthermore, he is grateful for the opportunity to study in Beijing, and will share what he has learned in the course with his family, friends and colleagues.