Tai Po School Reopens at New Campus Five Months After Deadly Wang Fuk Court Fire
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Tai Po Baptist Public School officially opened its newly renovated campus at Fu Shin Estate in Tai Po on Saturday, reuniting nearly 600 pupils and their teachers after months of disruption following November's devastating Wang Fuk Court fire. The Education Bureau invested HK$43.6 million to transform the former CCC Kei Ching Primary School premises, which had been vacant, into a fully equipped learning environment featuring refurbished classrooms, a new assembly hall, renovated toilets, a basketball court, and updated electrical and air-conditioning systems. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin officiated at the opening ceremony, describing the school's journey as a "rebirth after the fire" and emphasising that the relocation marked a new chapter for students and staff alike.
Key Points
- Nearly 600 pupils and teachers at Tai Po Baptist Public School have been reunited at the newly opened campus at Fu Shin Estate
- The Education Bureau spent HK$43.6 million (US$5.6 million) on refurbishing classrooms, toilets, the assembly hall, basketball court, and electrical systems
- From December to last month, students attended temporary classrooms at Tai Po Government Primary School and NTWJWA Christian Remembrance of Grace Primary School
- The deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades tore through seven of eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court last November, killing 168 people
- Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin officiated at Saturday's opening ceremony and praised the school's resilience
Why It Matters
The successful reunification of Tai Po Baptist Public School at its permanent new home represents a critical step in the community's recovery from November's tragedy, demonstrating how public resources can be swiftly mobilised to restore educational services for displaced families. The relocation also addresses concerns that the school's proximity to the charred Wang Fuk Court blocks could cause lasting discomfort among students and parents, allowing the school community to move forward with renewed stability.
The successful reunification of Tai Po Baptist Public School at its permanent new home represents a critical step in the community's recovery from November's tragedy, demonstrating how public resources can be swiftly mobilised to restore educational services for displaced families. The relocation also addresses concerns that the school's proximity to the charred Wang Fuk Court blocks could cause lasting discomfort among students and parents, allowing the school community to move forward with renewed stability.