LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

FREE BREAKFAST -ALL WELCOME AT HOHOLA!

Getting up to be at school by 6am doesn’t sound like much fun. That is the lot of the ‘Breakfast Club’ volunteer students, at La Salle Technical College at Hohola in Port Moresby. Four days a week, a nutritious meal is served to 200, could be 300 students.

Although the idea is not new for schools, where students are struggling in disadvantaged families, La Salle’s Club must be near the gold standard. In 2012, this important program was begun. As the current College Director says: “We have students that commute to school from villages as far away as Tubusereia & Boera along Magi Highway, east of Port Moresby. Additionally, 75% of our students live in settlement areas, which lack basic services of water, electricity and sanitation. (“Settlements” in PNG is the term for squatter areas). Most of these students miss out on breakfast... Many students arrive as early as 7am at school. They get up around 5am to make their way to school.”

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

The core reason for the program is promoting health. Some students arriving at school at 8.30am might otherwise have nothing to eat before they leave at 4pm. Secondly, it is well known that lack of nourishment badly affects a person’s learning and concentration. And from a Christian point of view, it fulfills the Gospel call to “feed the hungry” of our brothers and sisters.

The volunteer students prepare the food from the markets in the afternoon, ready for the next morning. Mr. Larry Aua, the Youth Minister at La Salle Technical College, reports:

“On the menu is rice, a source of protein and veggies (rice, donated by a local businessman, rotated with sausage or chicken, and vegetables). Every day, 10kg of rice is cooked as well as 5kg of protein. Breakfast is served at 7:20am to many hungry teenagers. Each volunteer helps serve even-portion sizes to every student. Growing teenagers eat together in the yard, and are continually thanking the staff and volunteers. They appreciate the kind gesture, and are grateful for the funds provided to support this vital initiative, for their well-being and education”.

One Australian De La Salle school has had this program as one of its base-donation projects for many years. Br. Adrian Watson, Acting Director of the Lasallian Foundation, mentions that “Oakhill College in Castle Hill (NSW) has been particularly supportive, donating $AUS10,000 in 2019 and $AUS3,000 in 2020. Following a submission from the Lasallian Foundation in early 2021, the Lasallian Foundation International in the USA was able to source funding for the Breakfast Club, from the FSC Foundation of $US7,500.

“The Breakfast Club costs about $AUS250 per week or $10,000 over the 40 weeks of the academic year. This amount does not include the donation of sausages worth $1,300 over the course of a year from a local businessman, and the use of equipment and electricity supplied by the College. For the hundreds of students who regularly benefit from the Breakfast Club, this works out to be $1.25 per student per week or $50 per student per year”.

Donors are always welcome - to continue this valuable service! And to upgrade th equipment and facilities, used for making a tasty meal, by students, for students.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

ST BEDE’S COLLEGE, MENTONE AND BENTLEIGH EAST, MISSION ACTION DAY

Author: Ria Greene, Deputy Principal, St Bede’s College Mentone Identity, Community and Action

In solidarity with many Catholic schools in the Lasallian tradition, St Bede’s College strives to uphold the Catholic Social Teaching principle of ‘preferential option for the poor’ by holding our annual Mission Action Day (MAD); a major event on the College Calendar. This year, however, there were some points of difference with previous experiences.

Firstly, as a newly amalgamated, dual campus school (Mentone and Bentleigh East), we had to plan for our combined community of over 2200 students and staff that would be involved in Mission Action Day 2021!

Secondly, due to the extended periods of COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne during 2020, we were unable to have Mission Action Day last year. This meant that almost half of the student body had never experienced MAD; while for the remainder it was but a distant memory. (Yes, two years is a long time in the lives of young people!)

So, a re-boot launch program was designed for both campuses to inform all and motivate support that is urgently needed (especially during a time of pandemic) to make possible many of the great Lasallian works that we support in India, Thailand and Australia, including:

• Educating under-privileged children and adults • Building schools and learning centres • Upgrading schools and learning centres • Providing a safe environment to learn and live

To this end, the ‘re-boot’ campaign included the annual and locally produced St Bede’s College MAD film, a series of communications to families and local authorities, and addresses to students and staff. Personal testimonies from staff at St Bede’s were able to speak from their own first-hand experiences of immersion programs in Thailand, India and Balgo, WA underscored the message that every effort makes a difference in the lives of our Lasallian brothers and sisters in need. As a bonus, the scheduling Mission Action Day within the season of Lent enabled us to give a tangible expression to the Lenten practice of almsgiving; giving to those in need.

Momentum grew with ongoing and regular promotion of MAD by staff and student leaders, and student led fundraising activities. So, by the time we had reached the actual day, all were primed and ready for a great day of faith, service and community! In addition to the promotion of the day, there was a significant amount of practical planning to ensure the health and safety of over 2000 walkers on the Mentone to Rickett’s Point public beach path.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

While there were some moments of ‘overflow’ from the regular path, we are pleased to advise that all who set out for the 10-kilometre walk returned safely for the post-walk program (these afternoon activities are a recent adjustment to MAD and a conflation of the usual Founder’s Day celebrations).

The day commenced with performances by the College Band, then a whole College prayer service spiritually prepared us for the day ahead. The focus of the liturgy was the Christian mandate to care for the vulnerable and needy. By reflecting on the letter of St James we were reminded that “faith without action is dead”; this was supplemented with a reading from the Gospel of St Matthew that taught us that we serve God when we serve one another. Following our time of prayer, waves of keen walkers were released to start their 10-kilometre MAD walk along the beach trail. Then, returning a little weary but satisfied, students received a hot dog lunch (over 2000 were cooked and served!), then enthusiastically enjoyed the post-walk program of carnival rides, performances and other activities planned by the College Student Leadership Team.

To gain an insight into how students experienced the day, let’s read a selection of reflections who answered the following question:

What does Mission Action Day mean to you? Consider its purpose, some highlights and what you would like others to know abouvt our day at St Bede’s.

Aidan Carroll, College Captain

Ever since my first year attending St. Bede’s College I’ve always understood the importance of MAD Day yet it is only now in my final years at the College that I’ve come to fully appreciate what it is all about. I found myself and my classmates deeply engrossed in the sense of community that generated around the time of MAD Day.

For those unaware, Mission Action Day is the culmination of more than a month’s effort of our school community in fundraising for disadvantaged peoples within our Lasallian communities. It’s often easy to forget that MAD is not a day that rolls around during March every year, but is instead a sustained effort by our friends and families to show charity to people whom they will never meet or know.

Often, we tend to focus on ourselves and those in our immediate lives during the year and that is not a bad thing, however it’s still incredibly important that we stay aware of our place within a global community and make an effort every now and then to give each other a hand- MAD Day gives us this opportunity.

And as I’ve reached Year 12, I finally appreciate that MAD Day is all about community. I’ll always remember seeing our entire school community relish MAD, and seeing other students selling Zooper-Doopers and soft drinks in order to raise money for those in our Lasallian and global community. It is a great initiative which I truly hope persists for years to come.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

Elijah McEvoy, College Vice-Captain

To me, the purpose of MAD Day is about uniting a community under a single goal. This relates to both what our money is used for and the fundraising itself. The funds help us build a stronger global community with Lasallians and those struggling across the world, helping ensure that those in need can rely on those with the ability and position to reach out and provide care. Furthermore, the fundraisers we do for our programs in Thailand, India, PNG and Balgo also help unite out own community under a single goal. Students, teachers and families all group together in order to raise money, with students running videogame competitions, raffles and more all in an effort to raise money. It is noticeable that the connection between younger and older year levels really builds in the lead up to this momentous event in the school calendar. The amazing rides and entertainment on MAD Day are more of a celebration of what we have achieved together in the lead up to the day than it is about the activities themselves.

The highlight of MAD Day for me would be the excitement built around it. Leading up to it and on the day itself, there is this visible buzz of anticipation surrounding the various competitions and activities that the student leaders and teachers run across the school. This year, more than ever, there seemed to be a heightened excitement both before and on the day itself, with more students than ever sticking it out to do as much as they could before rides shut at 2pm.

While bigger is not always better, something I think others don’t realise about MAD Day is just how big it is to our St Bede’s community. After talking with others from different schools, they are always surprised to see just how much we do in order to raise funds and make the day one to remember for the students. However, within all this, the core of our mission is still not forgotten. It is hard to find anyone at the school who is unaware of the MAD goals of Making A Difference in the global community, the Blue Sky Home or Bamboo School in Thailand or at least the stories of older boys who got the chance to lend a hand in person. Ultimately, it’s a big day with big goals.

Gavin Boyed, College Vice-Captain

MAD is a whole school fundraiser the school puts on every year to raise money for our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate in locations through Australia, India, Thailand and abroad. Its purpose is designed to help those who are less fortunate than us and to me it means going out of your way to make a difference to the little things that we all at times just accept as given.

I would like others to know that MAD Day isn’t just a day that rolls around each year, it is a day when the school community is able to come together to make a difference in the lives of others.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

Hunter Trumble, Year 11

MAD day, is an opportunity to be thankful for being able to gather together with mates in having some fun all across the entire school, but also a day to be raising money for the Lasallian schools and missions throughout different countries, such as Thailand, India, Papua New Guinea, and even in Australia, where we help schools and families to support their education, housing, children, communities and many other things of importance to them.

The day itself consisted of a prayer service, with both campuses gathering together as one college, reflecting on the videos and speeches presented by our college leaders, our teachers, and the principal, on what they believe MAD day is about. Following these speeches was a brilliant performance by the school band on some well-known songs, and the tribute song for our founder, De La Salle. We were then split up into different groups and then performed the 10km from the Mentone Campus to Rickett’s Point, and back again, where we were met with rides, sporting games, competitions, the incredible magic show, the Wii bowling tournament, laser tag, obstacle courses, the list goes on!

From this special day, it has taught us to not only grateful for the special events and opportunities we have available for us, but that we are celebrating a day for those who truly need support. As a St Bede’s student, I, on behalf of our college, encourage the general public to be generous and sympathetic to these children and adults, who come from different parts of the world, and are going experiencing much more challenging lifestyles than we are. Finally, if the general public ever see a person from a certain school, group, or community, attempting to raise money for a certain charity or cause, give whatever you can, because you are performing a small act of kindness that actually has a more positive effect on those who need support, and the rest of the world in making a change for good.

Dylan Collins, Year 10

To me MAD is a day where all of the community at St Bede’s have the opportunity to come together and enjoy time united, with the idea of giving of ourselves to others at its core. MAD is the perfect opportunity for us all to live Lasallian values by donating money and organising impactful fundraisers for the less fortunate. The reach of this day is made visible by the wave of two-thousand boys walking along the beach trail, enjoying the beautiful country we live in and recognising how fortunate we are. Ultimately, MAD is the day of the year where all of our hard work is put into perspective, we take a view of empathy, practise gratitude and all try our best to give of ourselves.

Archie Lamb, Year 9

The St Bede’s College Mission Action Day (MAD) is a really important event on the school’s calendar. Its main goal is to raise money for ‘the poorest of the poor’, for children in India, Papua Guinea, Thailand and Balgo, Western Australia.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

It is a chance for us to do our part in improving their lives at home and school, by building houses or helping out at schools. But it is also a time to bring the school and community together united for one cause. My highlights of MAD so far have been enjoying myself with my mates and having all sorts of fun whether that be on rides, games or any of the other activities on offer.

I would like others to know that the St Bede’s College MAD is very special, and makes a positive difference to not only the people it is aimed at but also the St Bede’s community itself.

Evan Bowles, Year 8

MAD is a day where all St Bede’s students and staff come together to raise money for Lasallian schools and children in countries and communities struck with poverty. Even though MAD just means Mission Action Day, fundraising goes on for weeks in different creative ways. For example, Mario Kart and Wii bowling tournaments took place in earlier weeks and raised money to go towards the charity. The main way of money being raised however is the 10Km walk that takes place on the day. We kindly ask family and friends to sponsor us for this walk and all money raised goes towards the cause.

Highlights of the day include the 10km walk, rides to go on, activities to do and learning more about where your money actually goes too.

MAD day is one of the most important days on the school calendar and is looked forward to every year by every student. Everyone sees the importance of the fundraising and enjoys helping children in need in Papua New Guinea, India, Balgo and Thailand by building houses and school facilities.

Click HERE to watch the 2021 MAD Day Promotional Video

WATCH ME

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE: LA SALLE HOHOLA’S NEW RESOURCE CENTRE

La Salle Technical College (LSTC) in suburban Port Moresby is bursting at the seams, as it changes to the national curriculum. Approaching the College’s 50-year anniversary, the Government wanted its 680 female and male students to change from the distance education syllabus, to the standard Year 9 syllabus. (The pressure comes too from higher employer expectations and increased numbers of eligible primary school students). This prospect will result in bigger enrolments of students, who are still largely from poor settlements. A modern and flexible library resource centre is a necessity.

Formerly known as Hohola Youth Development Centre, the College was established by the Brigidine Sisters in 1973, to provide non-formal and trade training opportunities for young people who were not accepted into a secondary school. It is a “permitted school” with its courses recognised by the government, but receiving no regular government funding.

With the ballooning student population in the last 10 years, a more multi-functional learning / resource space was needed. The previous library had been established in 2009, when class sizes were about 35. It now struggled to cater for 50 students, the size of a current average class. (There is government pressure (but no funding), to increase its enrolment to 1000 students in the next two years).

Another reason for a new library was explained by Br. John, the previous Principal. The language most students hear and use every day is really their second or third language. Tok pisin, the common local language, or a regional one is the home speech used. A crying need, now recently fulfilled, is an attractive, well- stocked resource centre a great way to promote the use of English, itself an important aim in a developing country.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

Extending the project to new library stock and furniture would help the plan to implement the PNG National Curriculum for Grade 9 in February 2021. A new curriculum means class sets of new textbooks. These will be used by 165 students each year for at least five years. The school now had, in addition, an experienced, qualified Librarian, Cecilia, from the Highlands.

La Salle Technical has a reputation for getting things done. Over the last decade, it successfully netted two AUSAid funding offerings, and partnered with the Australian agency to provide 14 additional classrooms and new workshops for auto-mechanics, metal and carpentry, and expansion of the curriculum to Grade 11. Built also was a large multi-purpose hall, administration area and electro-technology facilities.

Fortunately, Br. Adrian Watson, Acting CEO of the District Lasallian Foundation, was on hand to write up a project brief, and submit it to the international Brothers aid agency in Rome. Funding from Lasallian Solidarity (including JAPAN NAP Alumni) gifted the execution of the project. It aimed to expand the size of the library by half, provide staff and students with more electronic and printed resources, facilitate reading and study spaces (seldom available at home), and provide new flexible furniture with the new resources.

Now with the project completed, the results are that the teachers are using the resource centre more frequently for their classes. Groups now undertake subject research, engage in group discussions and have increased access to computers. Individual students are coming in before and after school, and during recess and lunch breaks, for personal study and reading activities.

La Salle now has excellent facilities, even without secure ongoing Government funding, to give disadvantaged PNG youth “a second chance” at education - and the prospect of employment.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

DE LA SALLE MALVERN - RAMPING UP MISSION ACTION DAY

Organising a walkathon for 1,050 school kids sounds daunting. The staff at De La Salle Malvern handles it deftly. The annual fund-raising event - “Mission Action Day” which also involved all staff - has become a more significant affair over the decades. Held for up to a half-century now, its purpose has been widened to encompass a deeper understanding of its purpose, as well as building the Lasallian ethos, and developing modern marketing and communication techniques. Chris Martin, teacher and lead organiser outlined the workings over the years.

Twenty-odd years ago, Br. Hilary Walsh, in charge of Lasallian Mission Aid, challenged the school to understand more the Christian motivation underlying the help for Lasallian works in developing countries. The concept was presented that Christian social justice challenges our response: people, especially our brothers and sister students overseas deserve and need help in school and health supplies, and in school infrastructure. Immersion experiences for older students, initially begun by Br. Denis Loft, were at first focussed on volunteer work brigades in India (for graduating Yr. 12), and now Sri Lanka & Bomana PNG, with senior V-CAL students going to a more remote school in Wilcannia NSW.

LASALLIAN FOUNDATION / TWINNING

The Lasallian culture grew over the years as De La Salle students were educating themselves by interacting with overseas Lasallians in developing countries. This deeper understanding of social justice needs filtered into the walkathon fun event for all De La Salle students.

Chris noted how modern expertise and changes in fund-raising have also had impact. It was more moulded now by the school’s M.A.D. Committee, the Marketing Manager and the Team as a profile event of the school year: structures and logistics changed. As we enter a cashless society, students were invited to look at how money could actually be raised, e.g. “Go fund Me!” `a la Facebook, rather than by door-to-door foot-slogging. The internet could also promote the event and its charitable purpose astronomically. Sponsorship from College suppliers helped infrastructure costs, e.g. banners, vans with advertising for 6 weeks prior. Involvement of all parties grows as the event nears.

In previous decades $30,000 was a fine effort. In 2019, the total contribution topped $100,000. Until 2012, the Lasallian Foundation Australia was the recipient of monies raised, for its disbursement to overseas Lasallian works. Currently, the College’s Faith & Mission Co-ordinator gets requests yearly. The school makes its own decisions, including its ‘Twinning Schools’ (in Pakistan and/or Papua New Guinea), contributions to District donor projects, and more local needy organisations.

The regular walkathon route of 13 km. is from Kooyong to Ashburton. With this year’s money-raising total unknown at this stage, the hope is to reach towards the $100,000 mark. Nervousness with COVID - although receding- was a factor, but Chris Martin saw it as a fantastic day: “as a community we all went M.A.D. together to do what we can for people who really need assistance and to celebrate as a community.”