I arrived at Tung Chung which is near the airport on Lantau island, marvelling at how different life was here compared to where I had come from – Hong Kong Island. The rolling green hills, the lack of population, noise and traffic. It was true country life in the heart of Hong Kong. I met Madhu Prakash for the first time at the college gates. She had been in touch with me months before trying to arrange a visit to the school. I was to speak to Years 5 and 6. The auditorium was one of the most impressive ones I have seen at a school so far.
Talking to Year 5 and 6 in the school auditorium
Ho Yu school is a government aided school sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen, which is a charitable organization also responsible for the Wong Tai Sin Temple, which by the way will be featured in my next adventure story. That was quite a coincidence for me. Sik Sik Yuen’s motto is to act benevolently and to teach benevolence. It preaches teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, and it sponsors schools, gives free medical consultation, housing to the elderly and helps victims of disasters. So the structure of the school was nothing short of excellence.
I did not know what to expect as I was unsure about the standard of English and I had been told that there were a few native English speakers. I did my presentation and then we had questions and answers. I was pleasantly surprised that actually the children’s English was pretty good and this led to conversations and plenty of humour. At the end the Principal, Miss Lee came and talked to the audience and then presented me with a momento from the school. I felt like a celebrity as children took pictures with me and lined up to get signed copies of my books.
Meeting the Principal Miss Lee Receiving the momento from Ho Yu school
Miss Lee told us that her passion for reading came from reading Barbara Cartland’s novels and that is how her English improved. She also told us that I was the first ever Author to visit their school. I was certainly overwhelmed by the importance they gave me and the respect I was shown during my visit. The children were very well mannered and stayed right till the end, waiting patiently for their books to be signed.
With Madhu Prakash and Miss Lee
As always I grew quite fond of the children. It would be a pleasure to return to Ho Yu school in the future.
I am featured on page 4 on this school newsletter.
http://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/curriculum-development/resource-support/net/NET%20issue26_online%20version.pdf
Recent Comments