Hong Kong protests: HK$470 million funding bid for school at centre of political row to proceed ‘as soon as possible’
- Officials earlier withdrew request from legislature amid concerns over school management’s political stance during the 2019 social unrest
- Pro-establishment legislators previously raised questions over Wa Ying College
Hong Kong education officials have said they will press on with a funding request of more than HK$470 million for a school redevelopment project “as soon as possible”, two days after the plan was abruptly halted amid concerns from lawmakers over the political stance of campus management.
Wa Ying College, which was caught at the centre of the row, maintained its mission was to nurture law-abiding and peaceful pupils. Principal Wun Chi-wa had been critical in a school publication over the government’s handling of the now-shelved extradition bill, which sparked months of protests in 2019.
The government-aided school, which had a roll of about 750 pupils last year, is seeking HK$473.3 million (US$60.7 million) in funding to redevelop its 50-year-old campus in Ho Man Tin as its existing establishments including classrooms and labs are undersized, while it also lacks facilities such as a student activity centre.
The three-year project to demolish the current campus and construct new premises on the site was to begin after funding approval from the legislature. Campus operations were expected to temporarily move to a former school site in San Po Kong from this September for the redevelopment period.
Upon completion, the college will operate up to 30 classes from the current 25.
