21st September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Bilok Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten (Bilok Kindergarten) in Sheung Shui has faced criticism regarding its operational and financial management, leading to the revocation of its eligibility to participate in the kindergarten education program by the Education Bureau. The school’s branch in Shek Wu Hui has also been accused of rental arrears and is facing legal action. Despite these issues, the Shek Wu Hui branch of Bilok Kindergarten operated as usual this morning, causing concern among parents who have already paid their children’s tuition fees but have not received any textbooks. They fear that the sudden closure of the school would leave their children without learning materials. Some parents have revealed plans to transfer their children to other schools and are demanding a refund of the tuition fees for the current month.
In response to the situation, Bilok Kindergarten posted a notice outside its Shek Wu Hui branch emphasising its commitment to student welfare and prioritising learning. The school criticised the media for inaccurate reporting and misleading information, asserting its right to take legal action. The school previously sent a letter to parents stating that the shareholders had returned the rental payment, and the landlord would no longer pursue legal action. The school has also informed the authorities and is striving to ensure that new students can continue to receive subsidies in the next academic year. The school explained that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with some students suspending tuition fee payments and a decline in birth rates, has led to insufficient enrolment. They described the previous rental arrears as a result of unavoidable circumstances.
Recently, law enforcement received a report alleging that a responsible person at the kindergarten had tampered with a letter sent to parents, intending to mislead them. Subsequently, a 66-year-old woman surnamed Cheung, the supervisor of Bilok Kindergarten, was arrested on charges of “forging documents.” Law enforcement officers conducted searches at the Sheung Shui and Chai Wan branches of the kindergarten, seizing multiple computers as evidence. Cheung has been granted bail and is required to report in late October.
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