Hempton Bay Humanist Institute
The Hempton Bay Humanist Institute was established in the second month of 1732 AN in the town of Hempton Bay on Great Warring Island, part of the Warring Islands Special Autonomous Region of the Benacian Union. It was the first Humanist Institute to be founded in the Warring Islands following their integration into the Union-State in 1710 AN.
Background
Prior to 1710, education in the Warring Islands was relatively informal, with children receiving basic instruction from local tutors or clergy. After the islands came under Benacian sovereignty, the new authorities sought to bring the educational system in line with Humanist principles and standards prevalent in the mainland realms.
In the early years of Benacian rule, promising students from the Warring Islands were sent to attend established Humanist Institutes in Capitolia, Ardashirshahr, or other major centres. However, the distances involved and the desire to instill Humanist values from an earlier age prompted calls for a dedicated institute to be founded locally.
Establishment
In late 1731 AN, the High Presidium of the Benacian Union approved plans to construct a new Humanist Institute in the Warring Islands. Hempton Bay on Great Warring Island was selected as the site due to its sheltered harbour, existing infrastructure, and central location within the archipelago.
Construction began in the tenth month of 1731 AN under the supervision of the 87th Engineering Regiment of the Benacian Union Defence Force. Local labour and materials were utilised where possible to reduce costs. The main campus buildings, student dormitories, staff quarters, and support facilities were completed by the end of the first month of 1732 AN.
On the 5th day of the second month of 1732, the Hempton Bay Humanist Institute was formally opened in a ceremony presided over by Governess Maria Elisabeth Tryst and the Humanist National Sector Command Officer Cassius Iskandar al-Gilani. The initial intake consisted of 250 students aged 15-16, selected from the islands' most promising youth.
Organisation
The organisational structure and curriculum of the Hempton Bay Institute closely followed the established model of other Humanist Institutes across the Union-State. The founding Commandant was Rufus Addington, Regional Cadre Leader of the Humanist Vanguard in the Warring Islands.
Key staff included:
- Master of Discipline: Major Dagmar Osterloh
- Master of Punishments: Captain Ernst Falkenberg
- Master of Studies: Professor Heinrich Mannheim
- Matron of the Wards: Sister Anna von Zurich
- Mistress of Indoctrination: Frau Lieselotte Becker
- Mistress of the Library: Ms. Ingrid Müller
In its first year, the Institute had 17 faculty members teaching the core Humanist curriculum of classical studies, languages, mathematics, sciences, engineering, and philosophy. Particular emphasis was placed on indoctrinating students with the principles of Humanist ideology.
Facilities included academic buildings, a central library, gymnasium, parade grounds, firing ranges, workshops, dormitories, staff housing, and a small disciplinary wing. The town of Hempton Bay provided additional services and resources.
