Curious about where women’s education in Southern China began? It all started with True Light Middle School of Hong Kong. This renowned girls’ school stands proudly in Tai Hang on Hong Kong Island. It comprises a secondary, primary and kindergarten section all on the same grounds.
True Light Middle School of Hong Kong’s story is fascinating. It began as True Light Seminary. Ms. Harriet Newell Noyes a missionary from the American Presbyterian Church founded it in Guangzhou, South China, in 1872. “Thou Art the Light of the World” became the school motto. Six students were enrolled at True Light Middle School of Hong Kong. It pioneered Chinese women’s education in Southern China. The school aimed to elevate women’s status and cultivate talent for the country.
A fire in 1878 prompted expansion. True Light Middle School of Hong Kong then opened its primary section the Women’s School and the Bible Women’s Training School. By 1916 student numbers had increased to 300. In 1917 the Women’s School and the Bible Women’s Training School merged. They were renamed “True Light Middle School”. The first graduation ceremony was held in 1919 for six graduates.
True Light Primary School was established in Hong Kong in 1935. The secondary section was added after the war. The school relocated to Tai Hang Road in 1951. True Light Middle School of Hong Kong then expanded. It included a kindergarten a primary school and a secondary school. It had a total enrollment of approximately 2000 students.
An iconic school foundation was built in 1966. It was for aesthetic appreciation. The swimming pool was constructed in 1972. It was upgraded to an indoor heated pool in 2013. The secondary section is an aided girls’ school. There are 24 classes from S.1 to S.6. The primary and kindergarten sections are private and co-educational.
The True Light Middle School of Hong Kong logo features the star of Bethlehem. The campus occupies 10000 square meters. Facilities include a sports ground an indoor heated swimming pool and a gymnasium. There is also a dancing room. An air-conditioned school hall a chapel and a school history room are available. True Light Middle School of Hong Kong also has conference rooms counseling rooms and student activity rooms.
Several notable alumnae have walked the halls of True Light Middle School of Hong Kong. May Lo a Hong Kong actress and wife of Jacky Cheung attended True Light Middle School of Hong Kong. Charlene Tse another Hong Kong actress is an alumna. Amy Cheung Siu Han and Lillian Lee both Chinese novelists also studied here. Ho Kim Fai a Hong Kong rower and sprint canoer is also an alumna.
True Light Middle School of Hong Kong stands as a beacon. It represents the power of education and women’s empowerment. Its rich history and commitment to excellence continue to inspire generations of students. True Light Middle School of Hong Kong remains a vital part of Hong Kong’s educational landscape.