Harold V.S. Chan Lam
O.B.E • C.S.K • G.O.S.K
Founder & Manager of London College, visionary educator, and lifelong philanthropist.
O.B.E • C.S.K • G.O.S.K
Founder & Manager of London College, visionary educator, and lifelong philanthropist.
Born on 1st October 1938 in Central Flacq, Harold grew up in a modest family that owned Magasin Saint Jean. His childhood was marked by discipline and resilience, values that shaped his future vision.
He excelled academically, attending the Royal College of Port-Louis before pursuing higher studies in London. In 1963, he graduated with a B.Sc. Honours in Mathematics from Chelsea College of Science and Advanced Technology.
Despite being offered a scholarship to Imperial College, Harold chose to return to Mauritius, believing his duty was to uplift education at home. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong mission.
In January 1966, Harold established London College in Port Louis. Built on principles of discipline, cleanliness, and academic rigor, the institution quickly became a beacon of excellence in Mauritius. Generations of students remember his insistence on dignity, respect, and perseverance as cornerstones of success.
London College was not just a school, it was a community. Harold personally oversaw its growth, mentoring teachers, guiding students, and ensuring that every graduate carried forward the values of integrity and ambition.
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (1988)
Commander of the Order of the Star and Key (1995)
Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key (2001)
Harold’s compassion extended far beyond the classroom. He organized relief efforts for victims of the Gujarat earthquake in India, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and the Sichuan earthquake in China. His ability to mobilize communities reflected his belief that education must be paired with empathy and action.
His humanitarian work was not limited to fundraising. Harold believed education should nurture empathy, encouraging students to participate in community service projects, from supporting local animal welfare through the Mauritius SPCA to organizing cultural exchanges and international conferences.
Even after stepping down as Rector, Harold remained a guiding presence. His voice was heard in national education councils, UNESCO committees, and private school associations, always advocating for fairness, accessibility, and dignity in education.
On 10th May 2012, Mauritius lost one of its greatest educators. Yet his vision lives on, in the thousands of students who passed through London College, in the teachers he mentored, and in the institutions that continue to uphold the values he championed.
Harold V.S. Chan Lam dedicated his life to education, service, and humanity. His journey from a small village in Central Flacq to becoming one of Mauritius’ most respected educators is a testament to perseverance, vision, and compassion. London College stands today as a living monument to his ideals.
His story reminds us that true greatness lies not in titles or honours, but in the lives we touch and the communities we uplift. Harold Chan Lam’s legacy continues to inspire generations, proving that education is the most powerful gift we can give to the world.