Building Bridges: The De La Salle Brothers' Legacy of Interfaith Education in Pakistan

Did you know the De La Salle Brothers have been providing a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor in Pakistan since the ‘60s? Pakistan is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, which requires Lasallian educational institutions to be mindful of religious tensions, religious restrictions, balancing religious and secular educational aspects, and sensitivity to cultural differences. In light of these challenges, Lasallian schools in Pakistan have established a tradition of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, fostering a spirit of mutual respect amid individuals who are Catholic, Muslim, or other faiths.  

“1 La Salle, Our Pilgrimage Towards Peace” is the theme of the International Lasallian Days for Peace, which continues until 21 October this year. The Institute initiative, led by the Commission on Youth, is based on the awareness that 2024 “has been a difficult year for peace in the world,” as evidenced by the war situations in Ukraine, as well as between Israel and Palestine, and in several African regions affected by civil wars. 

To this end, the intention is to share solidarity and volunteer projects happening worldwide that may inspire Lasallians in the creation or consolidation of local programs at the service of those most in need. 

As part of our 1 La Salle campaign this year, we will share how Lasallian educational efforts have shaped the lives of young people in Pakistan over the past 65 years. Keep reading to learn how the Brothers and lay partners integrate Lasallian principles into every lesson and navigate cultural differences to maintain a lasting partnership with the surrounding community. Despite significant differences in faith, culture, and tradition, Lasallians in Pakistan have become a peaceful, welcome part of the community. 

How Did a French Catholic Institution End Up in Pakistan? 

The journey of Lasallian education in Pakistan began after the end of British colonial rule in 1947. It all leads back to Bishop Francis Benedict Cialeo, the first Bishop of Multan. In a newly formed nation, in Multan, Pakistan, one of the five largest urban centres in the country, Cialeo recognised the potential of education as a means to spread the Christian gospel. He invited the De La Salle Brothers to Pakistan, leading to the establishment of the first Lasallian school in Karachi in 1956. By 1959, further schools opened in Multan and Faisalabad, marking the beginnings of a robust educational network. 

The establishment of La Salle High Schools in Faisalabad and Multan, in 1961 and 1960, respectively, marked a significant milestone. These institutions enabled the De La Salle brotherhood to embody Lasallian principles of education, focusing on providing holistic education that emphasises moral and ethical development alongside academic excellence. 

Since its inception, the influence of Lasallian educational traditions has expanded significantly across Pakistan. In 2024, there are 17 Lasallian institutions of learning in Pakistan, ranging from primary and secondary schools to a sewing centre and the St. Miguel House of Formation, where men and families live while they are trained to deepen their faith and broaden their education. 

Among these schools and educational institutions, the De La Salle Brothers have an enrolment of over 4,500 male students and 2,500 female students. They also proudly have more than 500 lay partners.

Integrating Lasallian Values in Every Action

Lasallian values are deeply embedded in the educational experience, shaping both the curriculum and the environment in which students learn. The core principles of the Lasallian education system—faith, service, community, and respect for all—are interwoven throughout the lessons taught to students and the services they provide to the community. 

Lasallian education prioritises a holistic approach, nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of students. A cornerstone of the Lasallian tradition is the emphasis on personal relationships. Educators are encouraged to forge strong, supportive connections with students, creating a nurturing atmosphere that promotes trust and respect. This relational aspect helps students feel valued and understood. 

At La Salle Boys' High School - Khushpur, several programs have successfully integrated Lasallian principles with local traditions. For example, community service initiatives reflect the Lasallian value of caring for the marginalised while respecting local customs. 

The school also incorporates traditional festivals and events, blending them with Lasallian teachings on faith, service, and education. Leadership programs for students encourage responsibility and respect, embedded in both Catholic values and the local cultural context. These efforts create a harmonious blend of Lasallian ideals and local traditions.

Adapting to Cultural and Religious Dynamics

Lasallian education in Pakistan has consistently emphasised social justice and community service. The schools actively engage in outreach programs aimed at supporting marginalised communities, reflecting the core values of the Lasallian mission. 

At Khushpur, the integration of Lasallian values with the local cultural and religious context has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect the school's Catholic roots and the village's traditions. The emphasis on faith, service, and community, which are core Lasallian principles, aligns seamlessly with the Catholic ethos of the village. Regular religious ceremonies, celebrations like the Feast of Guardian Angels, and moral education sessions focus on fostering a spirit of respect, care, and inclusivity. While adhering to Catholic teachings, the school promotes harmony and understanding, respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of students, thus ensuring a balanced, inclusive, and culturally relevant educational environment. 

At Alban's Boys & Girls High School in Multan, we emphasise inclusivity by integrating values of respect, community service, and peaceful coexistence, writes Br Rehman Javed, Principal at Alban's Boys & Girls High School in Multan. 

“Given that our student body consists of both Christian and Muslim students, we adapt Lasallian teachings to emphasise universal values of compassion, respect for others, and service to humanity, which resonate with both religious traditions,” he wrote. “We promote interfaith dialogue, highlighting commonalities between Islamic and Christian teachings on peace, charity, and social justice, allowing our Lasallian identity to bridge religious and cultural divides.” 

He also mentioned that the school’s morning assemblies offer common prayers suitable for both Muslim and Christian faith traditions.

The Community Perception of Lasallians in Pakistan

The local community generally views the De La Salle Brothers positively, recognising their commitment to quality education and community service. The Brothers' dedication to accessible education resonates with local values, and their active engagement with the community fosters trust. However, some challenges related to their religious affiliation may arise, but their focus on inclusivity helps mitigate these concerns. 

Students and their families often perceive the role of the Brothers and the Lasallian educational approach as pivotal in fostering a supportive and holistic learning environment. They appreciate the Brothers' commitment to character development, spiritual growth, and academic excellence. This approach emphasises not only intellectual formation but also moral and social responsibility, helping students become well-rounded individuals. Families value the Brothers' accessibility and dedication to nurturing each student’s potential, reinforcing the belief that education is a shared journey between school, family, and community.

Demographics

Today, the De La Salle Brothers operate 17 institutions across Pakistan, catering to over 7,000 students with the support of more than 500 lay partners. Their schools have become exemplars of holistic education, emphasising not only academic success but also moral and ethical development.

In Their Own Words

“It is a great privilege and honour for me to work at La Salle High School and College, Faisalabad, and to embark on the mission of St. John Baptist De La Salle with great zeal and enthusiasm. I take immense pleasure in serving in an environment that fosters interfaith harmony, celebrating each other's joys and achievements,” writes Miss Shazia Asim.

“In my role, I am dedicated to building strong relationships within our community while fulfilling our mission to serve, nurture, and educate future generations. Beyond delivering the curriculum, I organise events, coordinate the Cambridge section, and contribute to the International Child Protection Policy.

“I remain optimistic and committed to continuing my service with the same spirit and passion, contributing to societal growth while embracing new challenges. Long live La Salle!”

Miss Munza Sohaib writes that working at La Salle School has shown her a spirit of respect and equality for all.

“It has been an extraordinary journey, where everyone, regardless of religion, is respected and treated like family,” she writes.

 “We strive to create a positive atmosphere guided by unity, discipline, and ethical principles. Together, we function as one family, laying a foundation of respect and integrity. The environment here promotes not only academic growth but also character development through workshops focused on Lasallian values.

 “Each day begins and ends with prayer, fostering a culture of unity, compassion, and continuous personal and professional growth. My experience at La Salle High School and College has been truly wonderful, as we prioritise equality and dignity for every individual, ensuring that discrimination has no place in our community.”

For more information on the peace campaign - https://www.lasalle.org/en/international-lasallian-days-for-peace-2024/