Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School

Why did the Chang family decide to establish a new school in Hong Kong? We’re standing before the Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School, a place with a unique story. This school, established in 1997, is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a family’s dedication to education and a community’s resilience. The Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School was founded by the Chang family, the same family that ran the Wellington College. Due to financial difficulties at Wellington College, the Chang family formed the Wellington Education Organization in 1995. They applied for and received approval to open a new aided secondary school. This new school, the Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School, would serve as a contingency plan for staff from Wellington College if it were to close. It also aimed to meet the demand for some students who wanted to continue their education. The Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School welcomed its first students in 1997. The school was named in honor of Chang Pui Chung, the founder of Wellington College. The school also absorbed some of the teachers from Wellington College. This school is a modern, vibrant learning space. The campus spans 7,000 square meters and boasts 26 classrooms and various special rooms. The Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School shares its grounds with the nearby Shun Tak Fraternal Association Cheng Yu Tung Secondary School. Interestingly, the Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School is one of Hong Kong’s first second-generation “active style” school buildings. This innovative design emphasizes flexible learning spaces and modern facilities. The school faced challenges throughout its history. In 1998, the school, along with two neighboring schools, was targeted by vandals and experienced two bomb threats. In 2000, accusations arose that the school hadn’t honored its commitment to hire all teachers from Wellington College. There were also claims of preferential treatment given to individuals connected to the Chang family during staff placement. A tragic incident occurred in 2012 involving two students. A 15-year-old boy, Tsang Ming-sze, was lured to a pier and fatally attacked. This unfortunate event left a deep mark on the school community. The Wellington Education Organization Chang Pui Chung Memorial School continues to serve the community. It stands as a testament to the Chang family’s vision and a reminder of the challenges and triumphs woven into the fabric of its history.