Mambu Magazine 2020 - Issue 2

MAMBU MAGAZINE PNG LASALLIAN FAMILY OFFICIAL PUBLICATION 2020 ISSUE 2

OF D 20 YEARS N O Y E B G NG O IN R OT H E R S P N FA M ILY G B IA E L L L L A A S S A L A L E THE W IT H T H E D N IO T IA C O ASS

NATIONAL LASALLIAN FAMILY OFFICE

LaSalle Technical College, Hohola P.O Box 1911, BOROKO, NCD +675 79570627

340 1812

lasallianfamily.png@gmail.com MAMBU MAGAZINE

1

2020 ISSUE 2

CONTENTS 3

Message of National Coordinator

4

Message from Sector Coordinator

5

The Growth of the PNG Lasallian Family

7

Lasallian Family Vision and Rules

8

Lasallian Family and the Marian Devotions

9

Highlands Region

12

Momase Region

15

New Guinea Islands Region

16

Southern Region

17

The Birth of YACA

19

Members Profile – Mrs. Ove AFSC

20

Lasallian Youth Ministry

21

Our Guiding Principles

22

The Year in Review

23

The Brothers’ Vocation

MAMBU MAGAZINE

2

2020 ISSUE 2

MESSAGE FROM MS. GRACE WRAKIA National Coordinator Lasallian Family Dear Lasallians, Greetings to you as we approach the last weeks of the school year 2020. May the spirit of God inspire your hearts and minds to persevere with love and hope in your homes, schools and work places. I do not wish to remind you of the challenging year it had been but I want to thank and praise our loving God, who is forever kind and merciful to us. Let us continue to pray for ourselves, those suffering, and those who have passed away this year. May God bless their souls and give peace to their family and friends. Amen.

Saints’ Parade, which saw 12 students pose as Saints for the day. They had St. John Baptist de La Salle in this parade too. It was an amazing experience for the young men and women who participated. Up in the Highlands region, young Catholic student teachers at Holy Trinity Teachers College, for the first time, formed the Catholic Students Association (CSA) at the college in response to Commission for New Evangelisation for PNG/SI- young people empowerment! A way forward for the Lasallian Family and the Church as a whole.

It is time to look back and appreciate all that God has done for us this year. We cannot achieve anything without God. So as this school year counts down, I hope you take the time to thank your family, children, students, colleagues and God for 2020. It was a year that tested our endurance and courage.

“Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes “(1 Corinthians 1: 2-3).

Peter Daka and Keran Mondo are amazing Lasallians. They walked for a whole day to visit the most far-reached place in PNG- Karamui. They share an amazing story with us. You will find these stories and many more in this second issue of the Mambu 2020. Enjoy!

I hope you were all able to get Mambu #1 2020 either by e-copy via the District website or on Facebook or by post through the Area Coordinators.

The theme for 2020-2021 is “You are Part of the Miracle; Our Vision, Our Passion and Our Hope” encouraging Lasallians to see abundance where others see scarcity, and bringing nourishment where there is none. Relate Mathew 14:13-21 of how Jesus feeds five thousand people with five bread and two fish, to our current realities in education. Can we be part of this Miracle? Let us not focus too much on what we lack or don’t have, but rather on what we have and multiply from there.

Many thanks to Lasallians who have contributed articles for this issue. Perhaps next year we will have many more new and colourful pictures and stories to share. Thank you to you all, to the ACs, the Youth Ministry, the Brothers and now the Lasallian Alumni for working “together and by association” this year. We have reasons to celebrate, to be proud, and most importantly to be thankful. We have achieved some amazing things despite COVID19.

The students in ESP programmed and facilitated a three-days camp, under the supervision of their lasallian teachers. This is a great example of youth empowerment! Similarly, in WNB, Lasallian youths from different primary and secondary schools came together for a youth day rally. This was the first of its kind and another example of youth empowerment.

The young Lasallians in PNG are the miracle we see today. The Aitape Lasallians orchestrated the

MAMBU MAGAZINE

Let’s continue to pray and take care of our health and that of our family, students, colleagues etc.. You may be receiving this round the time of Christmas so I warmly wish you all a joyful Christmas and a hopeful and better 2021.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever. Amen

3

2020 ISSUE 2

MESSAGE FROM BR. THOMAS YAPO Sector Coordinator PNG De La Salle Brothers Dear Lasallians, Greetings!

The year is nearly coming to its end with the resumption of term four for secondary and primary schools. The global pandemic has forced us into lockdowns and that has affected the general mood of life not only in PNG but around the world as well. Schools in many countries are having virtual lessons and students are taught online, learning from the comforts of their homes. This is part of the new normal.

You have beaten all odds to proclaim the gospel in our country. You have served with love and passion. You have left something good in every soul you touched this year. You have been the gospel to many. I urge you to continue flying that flag. All we can do is do one good thing at a time and keep going forward, looking ahead and keeping our eyes focused on our Lord.

We have been so lucky in PNG to have our students attend full classes and have their teachers present physically to teach them.

Lasallians have been fully committed in their classrooms since the beginning of the year despite the challenges brought about by the world pandemic. The majority of our Lasallian teachers are in the remote parts of our country.

It is always a challenge to access teaching and learning materials.

I wish you all a well-deserved break. May you have peaceful and caring moments with your family and loved ones this Christmas. May the joy of Christmas fill your hearts and minds, and may your prayers connect you to the life of Christ in its fulness.

There are numerous challenges under which our Lasallian teachers work, as they continue to teach those entrusted to their care. As the year approaches its conclusion, we look back to the past months and reflect on what has been the most positive moment that had made an impact to us this year. Many times, we focus too much on the negatives and that clouds the positive things that are happening around us. Let’s not forget that life is built with positive energy. Our future is realized through positive thinking. Our faith is sustained by God’s love for us.

I conclude with this quote from our Founder “Do not be disheartened by the difficulties you experience.”

(Letter 90 - to an unnamed Brother, date unknown)

You have all done many good things this year.

Celebrate these good and positive achievements.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever. Amen Earnestly ask Jesus that all your work be energised by his Spirit and draw all its power from him

As we thank God for a wonderful year, we remember and recognize those who journeyed with us and supported us. God placed in our path many kind-hearted and generous people to make our Lasallian journey meaningful this year.

With their kindness, love and goodwill our lives have been enriched and we were able to enrich others. This has a ripple effect and many hearts have been touched in our circles.

MTR 3.3 (Med 195.30)

I thank each of you for your deep commitment towards the Lasallian Mission.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

4

2020 ISSUE 2

THE GROWTH OF THE PNG LASALLIAN FAMILY In 2012, Br. Ignatius found a text book on group dynamics (see the chart below). Br. Iggy found the chart and its explanation to be very interesting for the Lasallian Family. At that time he believed that the PNG Lasallian Family was contained in the top right hand quadrant.

A simple explanation:

HIGH CHALLENGE

The author of the diagram maintains that if a group experiences a number of strong challenges, but in turn is also receiving strong support, then the group will experience real growth.

Ignore Authority LOW SUPPORT Moving Backwards

What is your opinion? What challenges do you face? How can the Lasallian National Office and Area Coordinators support you in your Lasallian journey?

Growth HIGH SUPPORT Lack of Activity

LOW CHALLENGE

At the start of this year, Area Coordinators met in Madang. Many were concerned about the growth of the Lasallian Family and asked similar questions about how we can strengthen the family, and how we can reach out to lone and lost Lasallians.

According to data analysis of the members in PNG, the following graphs display the current growth of members by province and by year. Today there are 417 registered members and 17 areas in the country. See the 2 figures below: Kate Mason, Communication Manager at the Lasallian Centre in Bankstown Sydney, did an online survey to find answers to some of these questions. Here are the results of this survey.

A. Categorized by Year Members joined the LSF YEARS MEMBERS JOINED 200 150 100 50 0

1997 - 2010

2011 - 2015

2016 - 2019 Membership

MAMBU MAGAZINE

5

2020 ISSUE 2

Year Not Stated

THE GROWTH OF THE PNG LASALLIAN FAMILY B. Categorized by Area REGISTERED AREAS 80 60 40 20

M

G ul f Ji w ak a O th er s

W ab ag en di /T ar i Si m bu G or ok a M ad an g Ai ta pe W ew ak Va ni m o Ra Ki ba m be ul /K ok op o Ce nt ra l Bu ka Al ot au

ag e H

N CD

0

Registered Areas

Main reason why Lasallians are no longer active in the Family: their own personal reasons, some due to personal financial and time constraints.

Suggestions on what should be improved: leadership, membership benefits, communication and awareness.

Evaluation on LSF mission statements: 53% agree that LSF is active in revitalising and energizing effective teaching and learning, 46% agree that LSF is active in empowering young people, and 60% disagree that LSF is financially sustainable.

Suggestions on ways to support lone and lost Lasallians; Personally contact and invite these lone and lost Lasallians; engage and involve these Lasallians; give them something to do in the Family; make it a project every year to reach out and find Lasallians; create opportunities to meet and greet Lasallians in all areas, improve communication in the areas, be consistent in the publication of newsletters and Mambu.

Other suggestions for improvement are: Allow self-sufficient leaders to take the lead, give more attention to Lasallians in remote and rural schools, find new platforms to train or deliver learning and teaching or Lasallian resources to teachers , reach out and create avenues to engage past students and former staffs of Lasallian schools.

Thank you to all those who participated in the survey.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

6

2020 ISSUE 2

LASALLIAN FAMILY VISION AND RULES Vision Statement of The Lasallian Family of Papua New Guinea “To give a Human and Christian education to the young, especially in schools, with the service of the poor as a priority, in order to evangelise and catechise, to promote peace and justice, accomplished together as a shared mission.�

(42nd General Chapter of the Brothers of the Christian Schools) We, members of the Lasallian Family of PNG called by the Father, touched by the life of the Son, guided by the Spirit, endeavor to give a human and christian education to young people, especially the poor and marginalised, inspired by Saint John Baptist de La Salle and gifted by his charism.

Together and by association, we strive to form youth to open their hearts to the love of God, to the needs of others, and to be mindful of varying cultures We aim to build up the church through the young people entrusted to our care.

The Lasallian Family Members of PNG: RULE OF LIFE 1. A daily morning prayer of 20-30 minutes, to include personal prayer and prayerful reflective reading of the Scriptures and the Meditations for the Time of Retreat 2. To develop the habit of regularly reciting the Lasallian six decades of the Rosary.

3. To pray the Lasallian prayers in the classroom.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT Lasallians within close distances of each other (same of nearby schools) meet regularly, make monthly contact with other Lasallians by writing, email, mobile phones, wear the Lasallian identity of medal or cross or badge when appropriate.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

7

2020 ISSUE 2

LASALLIAN FAMILY AND THE MARIAN DEVOTIONS Lasallian Family members have to balance our prayer life with our family and school commitments.

In the Lasallian Family Rule of Life and Prayers, members commit to: 1. A daily morning prayer of 20-30 minutes, to include personal prayer and prayerful reflective reading of the Scriptures and the Meditations for the Time of Retreat.

2. To develop the habit of regularly reciting the Lasallian six decades of the Rosary.

3. To pray the Lasallian prayers in the classroom The Six Decade Rosary is a rich tradition and expression of Marian devotion since the times of the early Brothers. It is a tradition firmly supported by the Catholic Church, which is now more responsive to the needs and expression of the Good News in many cultures.

Mary said ‘yes’ to her call in her prayer of praise (the ‘Magnificat’). Can we not be God’s instruments who respond with faith and zeal remembering the great vision of the Prophet Jeremiah “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”. (Jer 29:11-13).

TEACHER’S PRAYER BEFORE SCHOOL Lord, You are my strength, my patience, my light and my counsel. Your spirit pervades and ennobles the hearts of the students confided to my care.

Leave me not to myself for a single moment. For my own guidance and that of my students give me the spirit of counsel and courage, the spirit of a wholesome fear of You and an apostolic enthusiasm to spread the Good News of the Kingdom.

I unite my efforts to those of Christ the Teacher, and I ask Mary, Model of the Church, St. Joseph, the Guardian Angels and St. De La Salle, Patron of Teachers, to help me be a worthy co-operator, with them, in the ministry of teaching.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

“In order to bring the children whom you instruct to take on the Christian spirit, you must teach them the practical truths of faith in Jesus Christ and the maxims of the Holy Gospel.”

Meditation 1, 3rd point

MAMBU MAGAZINE

8

2020 ISSUE 2

HIGHLANDS REGION In God’s goodness this year, at Holy Trinity Teachers’ College, we formed the first Catholic Students’ Association (CSA) on campus, since the establishment of the College in 1959. We now have our first blessing of the CSA students and leaders on the 4th of October 2020. All glory to God.

Through Catholic Students Association our Lasallian Spirituality can continue to live on

By Flora Teng

Having CSA in Catholic schools and government schools is now an idea of the Pontifical Mission Societies or Commission for New Evangelisation for PNG/SI. In CSA we could have more Lasallians, Rosarians and other spiritually groups to strengthen our Catholic faith. Through CSA our Lasallian spirituality can continue to live on and be shared with others.

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This year taught me a lot. I came to understand the meaning of one of our common Catholic hymns and especially this line; “In your pain you will discover me”. I did discover. Thank you God for what had happened. Father knows best.

Thank you ABBA Father. I invite Lasallians / readers to sing prayerfully and meditatively with me as they read:

We have lost many young people especially young Catholics to other churches. The CSA is one way our schools can keep them in the Church. You can have CSA in your schools too in 2021.

When you know sorrow within your life I will come I will embrace your heart In your pain you will discover me Strong and constant is my love, Strong and constant is my love.

Congratulations to those who already have CSA in schools.

I wish God’s blessings for Holy Trinity Teachers’ College CSA and the CSA throughout PNG and SI in many different institutions.

If you had some challenges as I did, I believe the magnetic love of our good God had attracted everything to him. He carried all our challenges and burdens. We are free indeed even with tears in our eyes.

Let Jesus live in our hearts forever. Amen.

Catholic Students Association at Holy Trinity Teachers’ College, Mt Hagen

MAMBU MAGAZINE

9

2020 ISSUE 2

HIGHLANDS REGION Lasallian Interest grows at the University of Goroka

A Special Visitor for Hobe Primary School on International Teachers’ Day

By Caspar Ruarry The Eastern Highlands Province Lasallians initiated two inductions in 2020. his was due to the growing interest among the field teachers and the student teachers at the University of Goroka.

By Karen Mondo Peter Daka, the Simbu Assistant Area Coordinator came to visit Hobe Primary School on behalf of Grace Wrakia on the 4th of October.

The first induction happened on the weekend of July 17th to 19th. There were both experienced teachers and student teachers from Katagu Teachers’ College and the University of Goroka.

We had a variety of experiences coming together during these two inductions.

The teachers, students and I were so excited to have him at our school. Peter landed at the airstrip with cargoes from Goroka. He was still in shock when he got out of the plane because it was his first time to fly in a small plane to a remote place like this. He didn’t say much. I had tears of joy in my eyes because I have always been a lone Lasallian in that area. I was so happy to have him join me to see what I was going through in that part of Simbu.

The weekend retreats were interesting because the facilitators (Lasallian teachers) used their Lasallian stories and knitted it with stories shared by the experienced teachers (field teachers). The student teachers were helped by this experience, as it prepared them to face the realities of teaching life that lies ahead of them.

Some of the teachers and students were there to welcome him. We got all the cargoes and started the two hours walk back to school. Since it was Peter’s first time, we did three hours walk instead. We left the airstrip at 5pm and arrived at the Hobe Primary School at 8pm.

The second induction was specifically for the University of Goroka students. It was held on the weekend before the repentance day in August.

They were more than 30 young pre-service student teachers and two in-service teachers.

This second weekend was another successful encounter between new and old teachers.

Peter’s visit was a very special one because it fell right on International Teachers’ Day. I invited the teachers from another primary school near our school to come and join us to celebrate the special day. The teachers there were so excited to join for this Lasallian In-service on Teachers’ Day. They walked for an hour to reach Hobe.

Thank you to the retreat team in Goroka and the wider Eastern Highlands Lasallian family for assisting in hosting these two retreats.

Live Jesus in Our Heart. Forever!

Peter gave an in-service on the life of St. John Baptist De La Salle and introduced the Lasallian Family to the teachers. After the in-service, we had a light refreshment and ended the day. All the teachers were really interested to know about this great saint and wanted to join the Family.

The next day, Peter spent the morning with the students. He spoke to them about the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle and showed them some videos.

Newly inductees from UOG with EHP Lasallian Family members

MAMBU MAGAZINE

10

2020 ISSUE 2

HIGHLANDS REGION After that, we gathered the girls to distribute the sanitary pads, the underwear and soaps. The girls were overjoyed at receiving the sanitary supplies.

Their heartfelt thank you to the Lasallian Women of Hope PNG and its donors- Lasalle International Foundation and “yourtown”, for giving such necessities, which they cannot afford or get in a place like Karamui.

We finished at 12:30pm and Peter was going to fly out the same day, but the weather was not fine and the flight was cancelled. I prayed in my heart that the Lord will give Peter peace to wait. The next day the plane came. I was so sad to see him fly away but managed to smile with tears in my eyes. After Peter left, we couldn’t walk back to Hobe the same day because it was already late so we stayed the night at the station. The next day, Mr Presly Ola, the four boys who escorted us and I started walking at 7am in the morning. We arrived at Hobe at 9pm in the night the same day.

Peter also brought some stationaries like exercise books and biros for the students plus a volleyball and a net for the students to play with.

All the students were so excited about what they heard and received from Peter.

I would like to thank Grace and the donors for the things that was brought here by Peter. You all have touched the hearts of the girls here. Thank you so much and the Lord will bless you all.

After his program with the students, he had half an hour talk with the local community. Most of them do not speak tok pisin well, so someone had to translate Peter’s message to them.

To Peter, thank you so much for what you did. I know it was painful but your coming here made a difference and you will be blessed.

In the afternoon, we left Hobe and walked for 1 and a half day to visit some teachers at the Karamui station. We arrived at a village at 8pm. We were so cold and tired because we walked in the rain.

We stopped at this village and spent the night.

The next morning we started walking again at 6am and arrived at the Karamui station at 4:30pm.

The deputy principal for Karamui High school, Ms Monica Kora accommodated us and prepared us a delicious dinner. At Karamui Station we met with teachers from 2 primary schools and 1 high school.

All of them knew nothing about St. John Baptist De La Salle and they were all happy to know the life of the Patron Saint for Teachers and the Lasallian family. It was a blessing to have Peter by my side and I thanked God for that.

Thank you St John Baptist de La Salle for always praying for and always being with me.

Live Jesus in Our Hearts… Forever.

Recipients of sanitary assistance from the Lasallian Women of Hope

Karen, Peter and the Lasallian Students and Teachers at Hobe Primary School MAMBU MAGAZINE

11

2020 ISSUE 2

MOMASE REGION Our youth leaders programmed and presented topics on: Life of the Founder, Lasallian Vocation, Lasallian Youth Creative Class, Lasallian Youth Leadership, It’s cool to be a Lasallian and Teaching Lasallian Songs.Though it was their first time, they managed to give their best to the 60 plus student participants.

East Sepik Lasallian Youth Encounter Camp

By Joshua Moish The East Sepik Lasallian Youths journeyed to Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Maprik for their annual Encounter Camp on September the 25th to 27th. Since 2013, our youth movement has been growing roots. This year a good number of senior high school students participated in this camp. For the very first time, Mr Paul Suakau, a secondary teacher from Bishop Leo travelled with 10 other teachers to this Encounter Camp.

Aloysius Jalapuin challenged them with his presentation on the topic “If not me, who?” He encouraged them to be like Moses with the Burning Bush. “Leave behind your sandals and trudge on the new horizon” He stressed that curiosity will lead to discovery of who you really are.

Students came from various secondary schools and primary schools in the East Sepik Province.

Secondary school students comprise students from Bishop Leo Arkfield, Brandi, Maprik and a couple from Brugam Primary school. Students came from St Mary’s Wirui, St Peter’s Ibab, Our Lady of Lourdes and James Primary School.

The Encounter Camp ended with youths writing up their Action Plans guided by Josh Moish.

Youths gathered in their respective schools and planned on what they will do in their respective schools as Young Lasallians, focusing on the three values of Faith, Service and Community.

This year, we achieved another milestone by having our local Lasalle youths taking the lead in programming and facilitating the gathering. It was the initiative of the lasallian teachers in the area to empower the local youths. It was time for the youths to rise up and prove their potential as future leaders for East Sepik Lasallian Youths.

We are grateful to Elizabeth Aribi, Dagia Aka, Larry Aua and Francis Apa, our Youth Ministers who have sown seeds in the yester years. This is the fruit of their labor.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

Lasallian Youths from Bishop Leo Secondary discussing their action plan

12

2020 ISSUE 2

MOMASE REGION A representative from each school presented their plans to the Camp. They look forward to carrying out their action plans in term 4 and to make a difference in their schools.

I wish to share some of these stories here. The intention is not to discredit or disrespect any school, community and authorities, but to shine light on the dedication of some teachers in the provinces, and honour them for it. No names are mentioned: 1. A lasallian teacher was physically attacked in the school by a fellow teacher because this Lasallian spoke up about the unprofessional conduct of teachers in the school. The Lasallian teacher commented about teachers chewing betel nut while conducting assembly, and while doing official duties. A mediation was held between the two parties, and peace was finally reached when the betel nut teacher finally admitted that what he did was wrong and apologised.

2. A Lasallian teacher who is the head teacher in a primary school, was verbally assaulted by drunk youths from the school’s surrounding communities. This head teacher had to speak up against youths who continuously harass young female teachers. The teacher became the target of ridicule, verbal assaults and threats. However the head teacher shared that “it was better I take the full blunt of this harassment because I have grown a thicker skin over many years of experience and I can take it, than to see a new graduate teacher losing her or his passion for teaching because of attacks like these”. Authorities and police have stepped in to assist this head teacher and other teachers.

Lasallian Youths from Maprik Secondary discussing their action plan

Lasallians Rural Teachers’ Retreat

By Grace Wrakia In July this year, a group of Lasallian teachers in Papua New Guinea travelled to a remote school for a 3 days Lasallian Teachers’ Retreat. There were many opportunities given during this retreat for the teachers to reflect on their life’s journey as Lasallian teachers in rural and remote PNG primary schools.

3. A junior Lasallian teacher had to step up under difficult situations to manage or run a school, after the head teacher and senior teacher left the school. With little experience but with great confidence, the junior teacher has managed the school of 500 students and 7 teachers for the last six months. The pandemic added to already existing challenges, and further added to by an ignorant and uncooperative community around the school.

Through the sharing opportunities given during this retreat, the Lasallians shared the exultations and the tribulations they experienced while teaching in remote primary schools. These stories were interesting, for some it was sad, but there was inspiration in all of them.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

13

2020 ISSUE 2

MOMASE REGION This Lasallian teacher asked himself “if I go too, then who will teach these children?” With that self-conviction backed up by few years of Lasallian formation, this teacher plans to stay on to complete this academic year and maybe if allowed to, will continue to teach there for some more years. He hopes to turn this school around for the better.

4. Many Lasallian teachers shared their dissatisfaction about the lack of or no emphases placed by their colleagues in the teaching of Christian Religious Education (CRE). Lasallians expressed sadness at this and many of them have decided to take up additional CRE classes themselves. They said “CRE is a very important and core subject in the curriculum, and therefore must be taught with care and zeal”.

These are just few of the many inspirational stories shared at this retreat.

I sincerely thank these Lasallians who talked about their life’s journey. Listening to these stories, made me personally appreciate the dedication of these teachers and admire their boldness to stand up for what is right and justice for the vulnerable children in the schools.

Let us continue to pray for Lasallians and especially for the lone Lasallian teacher, teaching in a rural and remote school somewhere in Papua New Guinea. Their stories continue to inspire us.

St. John Baptist de La Salle. Pray for us.

Live Jesus in Our Hearts. Forever!

MAMBU MAGAZINE

14

2020 ISSUE 2

NEW GUINEA ISLANDS REGION Kimbe Lasallian Youths gather at St. Joseph Ruango

By Janice Roka Kimbe Lasallian Youth is composed of youths from various Catholic Agency Schools in the Province.

It is not strictly Catholics alone, because we had a couple from other Christian Churches.

We also elected our Lasallian Youth executives on that day and the Co-ordinator.

All in all, it was a successful event and we appreciated the Lasallian teachers who went out of their way in bringing these youths together.

We will continue to “Live Jesus in Our Hearts” and help these young ones grow in FAITH and LOVE. Unfortunately, because of safety purposes, we had fewer students than we anticipated.

The youths from Silanga in white, Mosa in red, Poinini in green, Ruango in blue, only two with their teacher from Valoka, and the last group in blue are from Carl Hesse Primary School.

St. John Baptist de La Salle , Pray for us. Amen.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK POLICY De La Salle District of Australia New Zealand Pakistan and Papua New Guinea (ANZPPNG) Visit www.delasalle.org.au for more info

MAMBU MAGAZINE

15

2020 ISSUE 2

SOUTHERN REGION We learnt a lot from these sessions which will help us as future teachers. We look forward to learning more about the Lasallian spirit and our Founder De La Salle, as we enter the teaching profession and try to practise some of the things we have learnt.

Lasallian Family Induction at Sacred Heart Teachers College Bomana

By Anna Matafolu

When the sessions were completed Ms Grace Wrakia attended a ceremony at the Brothers’ Chapel in Bomana, and presented us certificates as members of the Lasallian Family.

Being a Lasallian means being the best person I can be, and to always strive to do better.

A Lasallian Family Induction programme for interested students in Year 3 was organised by Ms Polume and Brother Alf.

On behalf of all our friends, I would like to thank Ms. Polume and Brother Alf for their effort and time given in these sessions. We conclude by praying:

The session topics included a. general introduction to the Lasallian Family and its works - ‘together and by association’

“I will continue O my God to do all my actions for the love of you”

b. History of John Baptist de La Salle c. Spirit of Faith and Zeal

Live Jesus in our Hearts …… Forever !

d. Teaching as a Relationship e. Five Guiding Principles of being Lasallian f. Twelve Virtues of a Teacher g. De La Salle’s writings: Conduct of Christian Schools and Meditations for the Time of Retreat.

“That those who teach the young are co-operators with Jesus Christ in the salvation of souls.”

New members of the PNG Lasallian Family from Sacred Heart Teacher’s College

MAMBU MAGAZINE

Third Meditation

16

2020 ISSUE 2

THE BIRTH OF YACA

Youth against Corruption Association

Fr. John M. Glynn OL

The Birth of YACA – 1

Founder and Patron of YACA

By John M. Glynn AFSC

jonmglyn@gmail.com

Throughout almost forty years living in the New Guinea Islands of New Ireland and Manus, I had experiences that inspired, motivated, and empowered me. In the sixties and seventies I was a teacher, initially a Primary teacher and then a High School teacher. I learned about village life, about what it is like to be a child and a young person growing up, and what it meant to be an adult caring for a family in traditional society in the islands. I was impressed.

711 806 91 As I began to settle into the life of the city I became deeply concerned by the complacency of people generally, and of my students in particular, in the face of the abuse, violence, corruption and dishonesty that seemed to impinge on the lives of everybody in the city. Like fish in a polluted river they were tolerating the poisonous environment in which they lived, with complete acceptance of it, as natural. ‘This is Papua New Guinea. This is how it is. This is who we are’.

In the eighties and nineties, I was a priest in the Diocese of Kavieng and served in New Ireland, on Manus, and in the remote atolls of Ninigo.

Even more than as a teacher, I found myself immersed in the lives of Papua New Guineans in their ancient natural environment. I was inevitably drawn into the lives and experiences of the people I served over all these years. The acceptance I experienced from everyone was open hearted, genuine and unreserved.

Many of our young people have a very negative self-image, and have a very poor sense of national identity. Could a Malala Yusafzai or a Greta Thunberg emerge as a spokesperson for PNG youth, and if one did, would he/she get any support? As a teacher I felt I had to respond.

I challenged my students by asking them to examine their negative attitudes that caused them to undervalue themselves, accept as natural the abuse they suffered, and tolerate the denial of authenticity forced on them by dysfunctional society. I initiated the YACA Pledge. The Pledge has now morphed into the YACA Affirmation, which is designed to instil a strong sense of personal identity as one who is committed to Honesty, Integrity and Good Citizenship.

The few trips I was able to make back to Ireland for short holidays only served to convince me that, while I greatly enjoyed these visits, (and still do), Papua New Guinea was where I truly belonged.

And so in 1987 I became a naturalised citizen.

On retiring from active ministry I came to Port Moresby in 2001, and began teaching again, first at Port Moresby Grammar School, and then at Jubilee Catholic Secondary School where I still am.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

17

2020 ISSUE 2

THE BIRTH OF YACA

Youth against Corruption Association I, … (John Glynn) … affirm: I speak the truth, I respect other people’s property, I am gentle in my actions and in my words, I repay my debts, I keep my promises.

May I to be committed to honesty, integrity and good citizenship all the days of my life.

Fr. John Glynn AFSC speaking to a group of YACA students

YACA participants come from all NCD schools

MAMBU MAGAZINE

18

2020 ISSUE 2

MEMBERS PROFILE — MRS. BERNADETTE OVE AFSC Featuring Mrs. Bernadette Ove AFSC – A Passionate Journey with the De La Salle Brothers Based on a brief interview on 6th November 2020 In 1999, Bernadette Ove first heard about Jubilee Catholic Secondary School when she was approached by Br. Dennis Loft.

She was invited to be the Principal of this new Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Port Moresby. In 2001, she officially took up the position of Principal of “Jubilee Catholic Secondary School”. She has been Principal of this school since then. This year marks her 20th year at Jubilee, and sadly her last year in formal service as she finally retires.

She was first introduced to the De La Salle Brothers and the Lasallian Education at the 2001 Narooma Course. She has had the privilege after that to attend many other Lasallian Formation programs. The Brothers have had a tremendous impact in her life as a Catholic educator. Her professional development as an educationalist as well as her spiritual development as a Christian and a practising Catholic, has been nourished through her involvement in the Lasallian Education Mission. She was made an affiliate of the Institute of the De La Salle Brothers in 2018.

Mrs Bernadette Ove leaves her message to all Lasallians to be ‘passionate’ about teaching. What is it that you want your students to be, and what is it that you wish your teachers to be, in a Lasallian context. For a student it is being passionate about your education, or for a teacher being passionate about your teaching career. Very importantly is the constant reminder of the ‘Holy Presence of God’.

Live a life of passion to serve others. Embrace the Lasallian Spirituality, as it is very relevant to us as Christian educators. The Spirituality is for all educators, despite the different denominations; we as educators can find common grounds in the conviction that the work we do is “God’s work”.

All educators are working in Gods’ vineyard. Therefore we work with a lot of passion in our heart. And at the end of the day, God is pleased with the work we have done.

Live Jesus in Our Hearts. Forever! Amen

MAMBU MAGAZINE

19

2020 ISSUE 2

LASALLIAN YOUTH MINISTRY — MID-YEAR REVIEW This year has been quite tough for Lasallian Youth Ministry (LYM) PNG to deliver different programs for our Young Lasallians. This article is a report of activities that the LYM has been engaged in during Term 2 and Term 3.

In these two terms we have been focusing on a major project - the Guide or Model for the Young Lasallian Ministry with its leaders in the Sector.

We did this because there is a need for a clear pathway or map for Lasallian Youth Ministry Leaders. Where are we heading and how are we successful in running different youth programs locally and internationally? Due to the cancellation of most-extra-curricular activities in NCD schools, it gave us much time to work on this project. This project is currently being edited by our local Lasallian Leaders and will be launched soon.

Francis Apa and Lasallian Teachers at Rosary Secondary School, Simbu

We also visited a few Lasallian youth groups and Lasallian Family in the Highlands. Brief but timely visits such as this are inspirations for our Lasallians in the Highlands. It encourages them to continue to do little but great things, so that they stay connected to the wider Lasallian Family and focus on giving quality education to their students.

The Ministry also took charge of pastoral classes for students at La Salle Technical College. Both these classes and the “breakfast club” are continuing to be successful.

During Term 3 break, the LYM team took the lead in facilitating Gr 10 retreats for Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. There were eight Gr 10 classes, so we ran four groups and the other four will be in Week 1 of Term 4.

We are looking forward to running more programs for our Lasallian Youth in Term 4. We anticipate a better year in 2021.

Grade 10 Jubilee Students at camp with Larry and Francis

MAMBU MAGAZINE

20

2020 ISSUE 2

FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF BEING LASALLIAN 1. God is our focus. God is spoken about and we give time and energy to worship and social action.

2. We are brothers and sisters to each other. We always take care of each other. The older students will guide and care for the younger students. The Lasallian spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood underpins all our actions.

3. Achievement is valued. In the cultural, academic and sporting fields we strive to give our best effort.

To touch the hearts of the students is the greatest miracle that you can perform St. La Salle

Submit your stories, articles, pictures, reflections or reports for 2021 Issue #1 National Lasallian Family Office LaSalle Technical College, Hohola P.O Box 1911 BOROKO NCD

Due date: 25 June 2021 +675 70304079/ 3401812 lasallianfamily.png@gmail.com

4. We are always honest.

The value of honesty is at the heart of relationships in our school.

5. We respect ourselves, one another and property.

We contribute to the good of ourselves and the community, showing regard and appreciation for the worth of someone or something.

STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS LASALLIAN

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @lasalleanzppng

MAMBU MAGAZINE

21

2020 ISSUE 2

2020 IN REVIEW

MAMBU MAGAZINE

22

2020 ISSUE 2

BROTHERS’ VOCATION — BR. GULFAM We are Shaping the Future and Believe You Can Too!

by Br. Gulfam My name is Brother Gulfam. I am from Pakistan and an area where no one knew about the De La Salle Brothers. Now when I look back at my journey as a Brother, I am able to connect all the dots and say that God works mysteriously and always has a plan. We may not see it at first. His plans may not make much sense but when we let Him lead us we find purpose in our life.

There is a great need for God’s work to be done in schools, for young men to carry on the mission of the pioneer Brothers who came to PNG some 74 years ago.

Being part of the Brothers’ Vocation Promotion Committee, I am hopeful that God also has a plan for PNG and that there are young men in PNG who might have an interest in the life and work of the De La Salle Brothers.

So, why not think about it, why not give it some thought, why not be a teacher, why not be a De La Salle Brother? This year’s Lasallian theme reads, “You are Part of the Miracle”. Young men of PNG are invited to be part of this miracle by offering their lives as De La Salle Brothers “for the human and Christian education of youth, especially the poor.”

At present we are twelve De La Salle Brothers in PNG and from four countries – PNG (4), Australia (3) Pakistan (3), India (2). The Brothers in PNG are part of the wider “District of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea”, which numbers just over a hundred Brothers.

We have a vision that one day every child will be able to get a quality education. We have passion to make this vision a reality.

And we all believe our future lies in this vision and passion.

We are shaping the future and we believe you can too!

Jesus tells us, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few”. This is very true in PNG where there is much good to be done. The Brothers in PNG belong to three communities, two in Moresby (Hohola and Bomana), and one in Mt Hagen. Each community is attached to educational works including La Salle Technical College (Hohola), De La Salle Secondary School and Sacred Heart Teachers’ College (Bomana), Holy Trinity Teachers’ College and Holy Trinity Demonstration Primary School (Mt Hagen).

There are many other places in PNG where Brothers could work but our numbers are few.

Saint John Baptist De La Salle, Patron of Teachers, pray for us!

Therefore, there is a need, a great need, of dedicated young men to be role models as teachers. I believe firmly that God is inviting young men to be dedicated teachers and live in community with other men who share the same ideal as Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the first Brothers.

MAMBU MAGAZINE

Live Jesus in our hearts… Forever!

#IT’S COOL TO BE A BROTHER 23

2020 ISSUE 2

MAMBU MAGAZINE

24

2020 ISSUE 2