Aberdeen Technical School

In the midst of all the negativity in the political situation in Hong Kong, our class of secondary school had a very warm reunion at the old school.  Some of us entered the school in 1966, hence we have known each other for 50 years.  When we graduated from Form 5 in 1973, the class had ~80 students.  We managed to round up 42 of us for the reunion.  

We were a boarding school for underprivileged students then, with very strict rules.  We went home only 4 times a year.  Most of the time we were confined within school walls.   Outside the window of our dormitory, across the street, was a police station.  Beyond the station and up the hill was a seminary.  Standing at the window and looking out, it would appeared that little has changed.  Our school, the police station, and the seminary are all still there.  Even the window has not changed.  But we have changed a lot, in 50 years.  

Back then, we had an excellent Physics teacher, whose passion and ingenuity ignited out interest in Physics and engineering.  One went on to become a researcher for NASA in the USA.  Another became a university professor in engineering.  Many became engineers and industrialists.  And our Physics teacher?  He went on to win many awards, and a lot of minds.  

We played soccer every weekday, and on Saturday afternoon we hiked all over Hong Kong Island.  Sometimes we walked to Stanley from Aberdeen and back.  Most of us remain physically fit.  Several still play soccer regularly.  Some run marathons, in our 60s.  We all hike when we can.  

We went to mass everyday back then.  Most were baptised.  Many still attend church regularly.  ATS was, and still is, run by the Salesian Brothers, an order started by Don Bosco, to care for the underprivileged.  The fathers and brothers taught us, played soccer with us, hiked with us, and lived with us.  They played a big part in making us who we are.  

We are forever grateful.  And we try to imitate Don Bosco in the way we live.  Some are sponsoring young people to attend university in China.  Some are mentoring young people in the church.  Some take university students on service-learning trips to foreign countries.  When Father Lam told us that the recently-reestablished boarding program has a serious deficit, one donated one million on the spot.  

Amid all the negativity in our society, we are so happy to be part of a community that strives to be positive and constructive.  

Aberdeen Technical School, we salute you!