The Lasallian Mission's Commitment to Education and Service in the ANZPPNG District

In the shadow of global uncertainty, where underprivileged populations often find themselves voiceless, there is a bright spot— the Lasallian Mission's steadfast commitment to human and Christian education.

The De La Salle Brothers and their colleagues have operated within the Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea (ANZPPNG) District for over a century and have been deeply engaged in education and service. This pursuit encompasses diverse initiatives, including primary and secondary educational institutions, teacher's colleges, welfare initiatives, youth ministries, and other community resources.

Each country within the ANZPPNG District shares a common Lasallian thread—the commitment to service. In Australia and New Zealand, Lasallian education has planted seeds of opportunity in areas where despair once thrived. These schools are springboards, launching countless young Lasallians into futures glimmering with possibilities.

Beyond the confines of the classroom, the Lasallian mission in Australia through yourtown extends into community service and social welfare programs that address the needs of the less fortunate, echoing the ethos of service and brotherhood that St. John Baptist de La Salle espoused.

In 2023, seventeen educational institutions in the Lasallian network in Australia provided primary and secondary school education to over 17,000 students. Brisbane-based yourtown provided post-school mentoring, counselling, vocational training, crisis intervention, and job-related services to over 4,700 Australians in the same year. Additionally, through the Kids Helpline program, the Institute provided mental health and suicide prevention support to over 180,000 people under the age of 18.

In New Zealand, three Lasallian secondary schools educated about 2,900 students in 2023.

Educational institutions in Australia and New Zealand raise funds and provide academic resources to support Lasallian schools in Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. The Lasallian Foundation promotes and coordinates about twenty projects annually.

In Australia, the Young Lasallians team provide retreats and leadership days for Lasallian and other Catholic schools and facilitates Camp La Salle for disadvantaged students at various locations throughout the country. There is also a small volunteer program for ‘gap-year’ students to spend a year at a Lasallian school in a remote community in Western Australia.

The Formation team based in Sydney provides induction and ongoing Lasallian development programs for teachers and staff in Lasallian schools and yourtown staff.

In Pakistan, Lasallian institutions serve not just as educational facilities but also serve as havens from discrimination, for Christians who are a very small minority in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. In 2023, the Pakistan Sector provided primary, secondary and higher education to approximately 7,000 students. In 2023, sixteen La Salle schools were operating in Khushpur, Multan, Gujranwala and Faisalabad. In Pakistan, primary schools can be coeducational, but secondary schools are required to be single-sex institutions. The National Catechist Training Centre in Khushpur which operates under the leadership of the Brothers trains catechists for all the dioceses in Pakistan. Catechists are a vital component of the Church’s presence and ministry in Pakistan. As some of the trainee catechists are married, their wives are offered literacy, culinary and sewing programs during the three-year catechist program.

The Lasallian network in Papua New Guinea consists of three secondary schools and two primary teacher training colleges, educating a total of over 3,000 students. A unique feature of the Lasallian mission is an outreach to teachers in rural primary schools where weekend programs provide professional and Lasallian development programs and support to teachers who live in isolated settlements.

While each country within the ANZPPNG District has its own story, the greater narrative is one of unity. Yes, the Lasallian mission celebrates diversity within its educational reach, but it stands together under the 'One La Salle banner.' This unity forges strength, encouraging every member of this worldwide family—regardless of location—to feel a profound sense of belonging.

The Lasallian mission's enduring legacy is evident in its unwavering commitment to education, service, and community empowerment. Through innovative programs like those in Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea, the De La Salle Brothers and their partners extend their reach, touching countless lives worldwide.