The Salesian Charism in Aberdeen Technical School
By Mr. Jack Wong
Principle, Aberdeen Technical School
Hong Kong, 26 July 2017 -- "I have been working in Aberdeen Technical School (ATS), as a principal for 11 months. I am happy that I can feel the Salesian loving kindness and the great blessings from God through working this school. Running a school in Hong Kong is not easy, partly due to the declining in birth rates over the past 10 years and partly due to many social problems in the society, like social changes, huge differences between the rich and poor, small and expensive living places and increase in divorce rate, etc . Many students are suffering from these social issues and are distressed. The boarding section provides a shelter for these students, so that they are better catered and educated. The boarding section in the school near hosted one-third of the students. Running the boarding section is quite challenging and I was astonished that every time when we have a problem; there will be someone come to us to solve the problem. The spontaneity of Salesians and our Lay Mission Partners make me to believe that it is God, who sent all those people in helping us during our hardship to foster our service. I used to say there is God’s grace in leading the school.
Unlike other schools in Hong Kong, the school is led by two priest-Salesians, Fr Simon Lam and Fr Carlos Cheung. We have religious sharing every week during our good morning talk and prayers every day. We have mass or Lectio Divina together with different games to celebrate our feast days. Although not all of our students are Catholics, many of them do pray seriously. It opens my eyes to witness and to appreciate the Salesian spirit of accompanying the students which is different from my college during my secondary Catholic school education.
In my opinion, Fr Lam is a firm and determined person. He sometimes looks very serious and is really cool. For every school day, at around 4:00 p.m., I can see lots of students gathering in Father Lam’s office. They go there to watch English movies, to enjoy their snacks, to play card games or to have social talks with Fr Lam. For many of these students, Fr Lam is pretty much like their fathers or their grandfathers. They can feel the love and kindness that Fr Lam delivers to them. They said to me that they will not leave Father Lam, even if Father Lam scolds them. I can hear students’ voices and laughters in Father Lam’s office. They were like close family members and the atmosphere is very warm even in cold winter.
Unlike Fr Lam’s fatherly image, Fr Cheung appears to be an elder brother to most students. He is very pleasant and patient. Many students seek him for his advices. To most students, Fr Cheung is a great problem solver. He gives great reassurance to our students and helps our students to take up leading roles in many religious activities. His brotherly presence made our students to feel great confidence. This is very important in helping a youth to become sensible and responsible being.
I truly thank God in giving me this valuable opportunity to work with two Salesian priests and the SDB community in ATS. They have given me great insight on the Salesian education system which is the loving kindness of Don Bosco in accompanying the young. I hope that through God’s guidance, the school will run smoothly and help more underprivileged youths to develop properly."
Mr. Jack Wong is the youngest principle among all our Salesian School here in Hong Kong (CIN province), graduated in Hong Kong La Salle College. At present all 17 schools in the CIN province have lay leadership. Aberdeen Technical School (http://www.ats.edu.hk) celebrated two years ago 80th anniversary. The ATS Salesian community has 6 confreres - 3 Salesian Brothers and 3 Salesian Priests.
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