30 years ago Guideposts Kindergarten in Mei Foo Sun Chuen was only a dream in the minds of Dr. and Mrs. Norman Vincent Peale in Pawling, New York. Since I was the only Chinese-speaking American on their staff, I was sent to Hong Kong to begin the project in 1976. By the grace of God we found gifted Maggie Tam to serve as headmistress. Over the years, her choice of administrative personnel, dedicated teachers and staff backed by the supportive board of members has formed an outstanding organization. The original concept has developed into four vibrant schools and the establishment of Guideposts Educational Foundation Limited with outreach beyond the borders of Hong Kong. Surely this dream has been realized to a far greater extent than even Norman and Ruth Peale ever imagined.

In August 1976 when Lenore and I saw the space designated for the school, it reminded me of an empty parking lot. How could this vast space be turned into a welcoming environment for small children? Faced with this challenge we immediately began working out a floor plan for classrooms, offices, and a play area that children would enjoy. We visualized bright colours, a central play space with a life-sized double decker bus, and flexible room sizes that would promote creative learning.

We also envisioned a logo that would symbolize positive guidance for young minds, uniforms that would make everyday a celebration, and a school song that would instill life values. We used the familiar tune of “Jesus Loves Me” but the words were not theological. They spoke of practical goals, teaching pre-school students that we are all children of God whatever our background or belief.

From the beginning, colours were important at Guideposts Kindergarten. Choosing Red, Yellow and Blue had special significance. Red as Chinese colour of festivals, happiness and celebration; Yellow as the colour of sunshine, warmth and light; Blue as the colour of sea and sky… the colour of peace. As the colours were incorporated into the logo, the uniforms, and the total kindergarten atmosphere at Mei Foo Sun Chuen, our hope was that children would respond to a cheerful and joyful environment.

Now 30 years have passed, and it seems incredible that the first Guideposts students to attend the school have children of their own. We hope and pray that the dream of the Peales, our original ideas, and the faithful world, the talented teachers and staff over the years will pass on the legacy of celebration, light and peace to generations yet to come.

Gordon De Pree