As families leave Hong Kong in large numbers, they are doing so in order to remove their children from an education system that is heavily influenced by Chinese Communist Party propaganda. Many of these families are now starting new lives in democratic societies such as Taiwan and the United Kingdom. The middle-class parents of these children who have relocated from Hong Kong have stated that they did so primarily because they wanted a better education for their kids. However, the challenges that come with uprooting children from their friends, schools, family, and home city are not easy to overcome.
Three years ago, the Cheungs emigrated to Taiwan with their family of five, including their children Yuet, Guji, and Yiu, who were at the time 13, 10, and 8, respectively. On the other hand, the Ho family relocated to the United Kingdom with their children Marcus and Max, both of whom were 10 and 9 years old. Both families have cited the desire for better education opportunities and a desire to leave the ongoing crackdown on public dissent in Hong Kong as the primary reasons for their moves.
The children faced several challenges after relocating, particularly in overcoming language barriers. The move to Taiwan presented difficulties due to the language transition for the Cheung family, while the Ho family had to adapt to schooling in the United Kingdom. Despite facing challenges, the parents and children have found positive differences compared to the education system in Hong Kong, such as less pressure in schools and more time for doing the things they love.
While the older generation of Hong Kongers who emigrate are more likely to oppose the current situation in Hong Kong – such as tightened restrictions on education and crackdowns on public dissent – their children tend to adapt remarkably well to their new environments, despite challenges related to language and identity. Emigrating Hong Kongers have noted the importance of preserving their children’s Cantonese language skills while also ensuring they can adapt to their new surroundings.
The shift faced backlash from the 2019 protests and has led many originally from Hong Kong to rethink their futures. For the Cheungs, the concerns for their children’s futures in Hong Kong led the family to relocate, although the move was difficult and presented several challenges. Nevertheless, the parents felt the move was necessary for their children’s well-being and future opportunities.