The Security Bureau (SB) today (October 28) held a launch ceremony of the "Andy and Security Bear: Young Citizens Safeguarding National Security" educational picture books. Published by the SB with support from the Education Bureau, the picture books convey key concepts of national security to young children through vivid illustrations and simple words, cultivating their awareness of abiding by laws and rules and helping them become young citizens who love their families and country.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, jointly officiated at the launch ceremony. Mr Tang shared the creative concept, saying that an illustration-driven book supplemented with an engaging storyline enables children to discover and learn the meaning of following rules and thinking critically, so that they can understand the importance of safeguarding national security from an early age. Dr Sze also outlined the application of the picture books in the school environment, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing learning outcomes. At the ceremony, Mr Tang and Dr Sze presented the picture books to representatives of kindergarten principals, symbolising the further embedding of national security education in kindergartens.
The three-volume set of picture books is set against the backdrop of "Andy and Security Bear", the national security comic series launched by the SB in mid-2024 that has been well received by the education sector and students. The set consists of three new stories accompanied by resources including themed children's songs, enabling teachers to make learning enjoyable in kindergartens.
The SB also released "Singing Softly", a children's song launched alongside the first volume of the picture book. Kindergarten students attending the event performed it on the spot. Through movements, the students brought the lively and easy-to-understand lyrics to life and reinforced their understanding of the positive values in the story, including respecting others and safeguarding their home.
The SB will distribute the first batch of picture books to over 900 kindergartens and public libraries in Hong Kong by the end of this year. Together with on-site kindergarten workshops, the national security concepts will be conveyed to young children in a diverse and fun way.