Hong Kong school opens at new Tai Po campus after deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze

Nearly 600 pupils and teachers from a Hong Kong primary school that was closed following the devastating Wang Fuk Court blaze will return to a newly renovated campus in Tai Po. After months spread across two temporary locations, Tai Po Baptist Public School opened its doors at Fu Shin Estate on Saturday, with parents, students and staff expressing joy at finally having a stable location to reunite.

The campus, which previously housed CCC Kei Ching Primary School, was refurbished at a cost of HK$43.6 million (US$5.6 million) to include upgrades to classrooms, toilets, the assembly hall, basketball court, and electrical and air-conditioning systems. Education Secretary Christine Choi Yuk-lin presided over the opening ceremony, praising the school's transformation in the face of challenges and highlighting the significance of the new location for students and staff to reconnect and move forward together.

The tragic Wang Fuk Court fire, the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades, claimed 168 lives and displaced approximately 5,000 residents in November. The school, situated directly opposite the affected estate, was temporarily suspended to aid emergency relief efforts. For several months, students were dispersed between two temporary schools in the district, attending makeshift classrooms at Tai Po Government Primary School and NTWJWA Christian Remembrance of Grace Primary School.

Primary Six student Chloe Yang, 12, expressed excitement about reuniting with classmates and the new facilities, including a climbing room and basketball court. Teacher Alice Lai expressed relief at returning to a familiar environment, despite feeling sentimental about leaving the campus she had taught at for eight years. The new campus features an artificial intelligence sports corridor and six multifunction rooms for counseling, speech therapy, and play.

A local resident, whose son is starting Primary Two, expressed gratitude for the improved facilities and hope that her son would enjoy his time at the new school. Principal Siu Ting emphasized the school's commitment to fostering whole-person development, including partnerships with universities and NGOs to cultivate soft skills and enhance learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

She acknowledged that the relocation had impacted enrollment, with three Primary One classes this year compared to four last year, but expressed optimism about building trust with parents and providing enriching experiences for students.