Many believe that the history of Heep Yunn School began at 1 Farm Road, but its roots actually extend far beyond the confines of To Kwa Wan. It began as a humble boarding school on a small terrace, housing just six girls under its roof.
The 1870s were a perilous time for women in South China. Girls and women were frequently kidnapped, and many were sold as servants, concubines, or even prostitutes. Consequently, many families were reluctant to send their daughters to schools outside their neighbourhoods. It was against this bleak backdrop that Miss Margaret Johnstone, a missionary of the Female Education Society, founded a small girls’ boarding school that would later move to Bonham Road and become Fairlea Girls’ School. Meanwhile, like Fairlea, Victoria Home and Orphanage, which was founded by Rev. J.B. Ost and his wife, provided sanctuary for rescued women and offered them a quality education until they were ready to leave as useful members of society.
Both Fairlea Girls’ School and Victoria Home and Orphanage were built upon profound faith and a willingness to serve, arising as a direct response to the community’s dire needs at the time. In 1936, the two establishments amalgamated to form Heep Yunn School and relocated to the new site on Farm Road.
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For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. |
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Mark 10:45 |
Since its inception, Heep Yunn School has been dedicated to serving the community in faith, love and grace. Shortly after its opening, the school sheltered refugees who had fled from the Japanese invasion of China. Moreover, Heep Yunn’s philanthropic efforts often went hand in hand with its Christian faith, as evinced by the students’ committed service at local Sunday schools, free schools, and volunteer visits.
Today, the school continues to uphold its Christian foundation as it matures into a community that values morality, compassion, and an all-round education. Through a vibrant array of disciplines — including sports, music, drama, debate, science, and languages — our students flourish not only academically but also physically, spiritually, and artistically. They learn to become visionary leaders who excel not for personal gain but for the betterment of the community. Upon graduation, they carry the perseverance and wisdom they have cultivated at Heep Yunn School to drive positive change in diverse fields around the world. The legacy of Heep Yunn is reflected not just in trophies, medals, and certificates; more importantly, it lies in the values that shape the lives of generations of women.
With deep gratitude for the past and steadfast hope for the future, Heep Yunn marches forward, guided by our mission to educate, inspire, and serve in God’s grace.
