A legacy of learning

'I want to sing the praises of the sisters for their unmatched passion and vision, to all who made it possible and who share their values.' That was the reaction of Amy M.W. Ho, former student, vice-chair of the Maryknoll Convent School Foundation and editor of Forever Be True - The Love & Heritage of Maryknoll, on seeing the hefty photographic history in print.

What began with 12 students in 1925 in a convent parlour on Austin Road is today's Maryknoll Convent School, Kowloon Tong, the complex built in 1937. The building features art deco, Romanesque, neo-Georgian and Gothic Revival architectural motifs and was declared a historic monument in May last year. The book, published to commemorate next year's 85th anniversary, addresses the history, architecture and conservation of the school. Accounts dating back to the 1930s tell the personal stories of Maryknollers in six broad sections.

Maryknoll alumnae were invited to share their stories and reminiscences poured in from women around the world. Among the notables sharing their memories were Julia Leung Fung-yee, the undersecretary for financial services and the treasury, Pamela Tan Kam Mi-wah, Drector of Home Affairs, and internationally acclaimed architect Hazel Wai-so Wong.

Perhaps this is the essence of Forever Be True, demonstrating how the school fills an important role in fostering successive generations of women who excel in all walks of life. Next February, former pupils will gather in Hong Kong for the school's seventh worldwide reunion.

'The story of the school itself is one of faith, love, idealism and willingness to take risks,' says Ho. 'I believe these to be core values of education.'

Forever Be True - The Love & Heritage of Maryknoll, HK$380 (HK$280 for alumnae)