On June 15th, 1936, the Fiji
Chinese School opened its doors to provide the Chinese community with
opportunities for worthwhile learning. The Chinese community of the 1930s
decided to have its own school, first, to provide basic training in
English Language so that students would be able to communicate with the
wider community. The second aim was to have those born in Fiji retain
their Chinese heritage and culture. The Chinese community fundraised and
paid 1000 pounds to the Anglican Church for the Gordon Street property
where Yat Sen was first built. Behind the fundraising was a group of
dedicated people who gave their time and effort and finance generously to
make the building of the Fiji Chinese Primary School a success. All
Chinese were encouraged to support the school financially, as the school
did not receive government aid from 1936 - 1946.
The school opened
with a total of 17 pupils. There was a roll of 12 boys and 5 girls but
the number of pupils kept on increasing. For the next 20 years the standard
of education became better and better and part of this credit goes to the
teachers' hard work and dedication. As a result, the Chinese people in
Fiji began to feel proud of their community and more Chinese started to
send their children to the Fiji Chinese School to get a good education.
Because of the increasing
numbers of pupils, The Fiji Chinese School shifted its location to Flagstaff.
The school opened with 124 pupils. In 1976 the Fiji Chinese School changed
its name to Yat Sen, which is named after Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the founding
father of the Republic of China. More classrooms were built to accommodate
the students and more lessons and subjects were beginning to be taught
to students by teachers, not only English and Chinese. During this time
students also participated in extra curricular activities such as cultural
dances and sports competitions. This was a sign that the students showed
pride in their school. In the same year, Yat Sen was opened to all races
and two streams of classes commenced. Harmony and co-operation bought different
races together in unity. Students were given opportunities to learn others'
customs, creeds and traditions.
On 20th
January 1986, the Yat Sen Secondary School was opened with 2 classrooms
with 68 students but now there are well over 10 classrooms. There are also
2 laboratories, 1 computer laboratory, 1 Technical Drawing room and 1 Secretarial
Studies room. The secondary school has expanded enormously over the past
decade. Also new subjects and extra curricular activities have been introduced
to students to learn to broaden their knowledge. The Yat Sen Secondary
School has celebrated its 10th anniversary. The celebration
of another anniversary of Yat Sen is on the 'Yat Sen Day'. The day is to
commemorate those people who have contributed to our school.
Other than the Board
of the Chinese Education Society, organisations such as the 'PTFA' has
been of great help and support to Yat Sen.
Overall, Yat Sen
School has been a success. Yat Sen has grown from 17 pupils to well over
1100, 392 of who are in the secondary school from Forms 3 - 7, in streams
of 2s. The school has expanded tremendously to accommodate the students.
The demand for places in the school has exceeded its intake. The reason
is that Yat Sen's standard of education is improving to match international
standards. Those who have contributed to the school will now be very proud
of it as Yat Sen is now one of the most reputable and respected schools
in Fiji and we as the students of Yat Sen hope that the school will continue
its good work of turning out fine citizens of Fiji and wish Yat Sen all
the success in its future endeavours.
By
Nitisha Lal & Johnson Yuen
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