From Crisis to Community: How NCTC Turned Monsoon Damage into an Opportunity for Growth and Safety

The monsoon season stretches from June to September in Pakistan, bringing torrential rains, especially in the northern regions. Rising underground water levels exacerbated these conditions in Khushpur, a village where Catholic Pakistani men go to learn to become catechists.

The National Catechists Training Centre's (NCTC) already crumbling boundary wall was further weakened by the rainy season and groundwater. The wall collapsed, and instructors and students at the training centre quickly realised, as nocturnal visitors gained access to the facility, that the wall would have to be repaired without delay. A request was made to the Lasallian Foundation for funding, and funds raised by St Bede’s College, Mentone, were remitted to Pakistan to enable the project to begin.

Br Shahzad George Gill, Director of the NCTC, wasted no time. He swiftly mobilised a team to demolish the remaining sections of the boundary wall. Contracting skilled labourers and local workers, a new, stronger wall was built in record time, ensuring the safety of the NCTC teachers, students, and their families.

In addition, the workers not only built a new wall but also levelled out the assembly area where student programming takes place. Previously, the uneven bricks made it difficult to walk. Now, with the new wall and flooring, the assembly area is not only safe but also more functional, enhancing the experience for those who gather there.

Br Shahzad wrote that keeping the project within budget was challenging, especially with adding the work to level out the flooring in the assembly area. However, with careful resource allocation, he was able to keep it within budget.

“With the help of dedicated workers and careful planning, the wall has been rebuilt stronger than before, and we also improved the assembly area for our students,” Br Shahzad wrote in a report to the Lasallian Foundation.

In reporting on the $7,500 (PKR $1.3M) grant from the Lasallian Foundation, Br Shahzad wrote,“Your funding was crucial in restoring the safety and integrity of our Centre, allowing us to continue our mission without interruption. Thank you for your kind support and commitment to our work. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”

The NCTC is essential for the life and growth of the Catholic Church in Pakistan. The three-year Religious Studies Program typically graduates 15 men per year, who go to the six Catholic dioceses in Pakistan to become full-time assistants to the parish priests.