[Alby]

Seeking to locate student records and / or a letter of attendance for a school that has closed down. The organization running the school is no longer in existence either. The school was establish for ethnic minority students specifically from South Asia.

I have contact for assistance but to no avail regarding this:

Ed. Bureau (formerly Manpower)
Home Affairs Bureau
Unison Hong Kong

The certification that was originally issued has been damaged and is no longer acceptable for use according to the organization requesting the documentation

Any other suggestions, possible stones to look under?

[rani]

What's the name of the school?

[Alby]

Newton Primary and Secondary School, on Kowloon-side.

Any advise and assistance is greatly appreciated.

[Alby]

Ok ... this issue is still on going ... it has since been found that:

The school's proper name is:

"Newton English Secondary Evening Tutorial School" (aka Newton ET)

The school was a private school in Yau Ma Tei Hong Kong. After 6 EMB offices and 4 supervisors later it has been learned that it was operating from 1974-1993 with the EMB School ID#22577. However bc it was a private school the government does not keep records only the running organization would still have the records and the EMB recommended another option if the student took the HKCEE or another assessment test then go to that authority.

So went to the HK Assessment&Examinations office in Wan Chai no record although the student swore that assessment exam was sat for .... no record of other students from that school as well ever sitting for any assessment test. The supervisor did say bc the school was private school must also have a registration at Companies Registry and a Tax ID#.

So went to Companies Registry and learned that the running organization is still in fact in operation well at least according to their records with offices in Mong Kok. Companies Registry gave the CR# as 78486 with address.

So went to the address given thinking - oh this is GREAT FINALLY can get what is needed- however the Director at the running organization were not so helpful or willing to help. The Director at has explained since the school in question has closed and not running there are no more records of the school and all student records that did exist no longer exist.

Can this be true? Are organizations operating schools, public and private, not held accountable. What is the legal obligation or EMB policy to hold / handle records once a school closes. Asked EMB weeks ago still waiting for a written letter or even a call back from one of the 4 supervisors.

So then went to some former classmates asked to see the document(s) that were given to them at the completion of school - not a one of them has them - all 7 of them! Inquired what they are doing for jobs now and all of them say that got their jobs either through family or friends. This is how they have always gotten work and never really needed such a document. Needless to say not one of them has taken another course since leaving school. Two former classmates called back a few days later stating that they in fact never recall receiving anything.

PLEASE PLEASE offer next step alternatives and avenues to explore .... it is hard to believe that these records or attendance no longer exist. I find the GEO group to be resourceful and full of innovative ideas.

Afterall we are talking about 20 yrs time frame NOT 120 years! The person who I am trying to help cannot register even for a 2 day workshop needed for work without such records stating that an education has taken place. Also, is not even able to change jobs if the person so later wishes to change jobs.