Living in school "We were together everyday and there were activities such as debates, dance classes and picnics. Many students liked this sort of communal living and so we stayed on." Relaxing over a cup of fragrant jasmine tea, Wong recalls those days in school. On classes: "We broke up into groups during study hours. The more senior students spoke to the rest of us about current affairs, local and abroad, especially about the developments in Communist China. They also disseminated banned texts, such as books on Chinese Communist martyrs." On debates: "We had many debates to discuss the ideas, concepts and problems mentioned in the texts. Several classes would be combined for these sessions as the leaders wanted to listen to different views. These sessions could become very intense as the speakers got more vocal."   Wong's day: Click for a report on the students' time-table Woke up at 7am Breakfast of tea and biscuits Morning exercise Classes Lunch Afternoon siesta Dinner Campfire Bedtime On sleeping quarters: "We slept in the classrooms. We arranged the chairs and desks together. Some would sleep on the desks, others took the chairs. Usually, each class had about 40 students. But not all the students joined the sit-in. There was enough room for everyone. We were a co-ed school. The boys and girls slept in different classrooms. "Uncomfortable? No. At home, I slept on wooden boards. In those days, there was no Dunlop mattresses for us. Supporters sent us blankets, so we used those to keep warm at night." On wake-up call: "We were disciplined. We got up on our own each morning without prompting." On luggage: "I packed a few items like shirts in my school bag. When my clothes got dirty, I washed them, just like all the other students." On food: "Everyday, we ate da wo fan (literal translators: rice in big pots) together. We took turns to go to the canteen for meals... "Food was simple, just vegetables and maybe a bit of pork. Most of us didn't eat that well at home either. People like the Hokkiens and Teochews ate even more simply than the Cantonese. "I remember seeing stacks of food, like rice and noodles, all stored in the canteen. Of course, you wouldn't find titbits there!" (laughs). On responsibilities: "The heavier responsibilities, such as cooking, were shouldered by those students who were more involved in the organisation of the movement. Many students, like myself, were less involved. We usually just helped with light chores such as arranging the tables and chairs and fetching plates during meal times." On student guards: "Our school had three gates. One was closed off. We took turns to stand guard at the other two. I also did a bit of gate duty. The student guards were relieved every few hours. "When a student wanted to leave, the guard simply asked which class he was from. It was not very rigorous checking. Anyway, after a while, we all knew each other and there was never any trouble coming or going. "The students did not carry any weapon, nor were there any barricades except the school fence, as we felt there was no need. Concerned parents and well-wishers such as trade union members often visited us." On night: "We gathered in small groups around the campfires.... Bedtime came early, at nine or slightly after." First chapter Next chapter Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.