Building Bridges of Peace: The Lasallian Mission in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country rich in culture, diversity, and history, but it also faces significant social, economic and educational challenges. In this complex landscape, the Lasallian mission stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to promoting peace through education, solidarity, and service. This year, as part of the International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP), Lasallians worldwide are coming together under the theme “1La Salle, our pilgrimage towards peace”. The focus will be on creating a world where peace is not just a dream but a reality.

For the Lasallian community in PNG, this global campaign is more than just an event; it’s an ongoing mission that is deeply intertwined with the country’s unique challenges. In a nation where tribal influences and local dynamics often shape young lives, fostering peace is not always easy. However, the commitment of the Lasallian Family to this cause is unwavering, and their work in PNG offers a glimpse into what it truly means to build peace through education and community.
 

The Complex Path to Peace in Papua New Guinea

PNG is well-known for its cultural diversity, boasting over 800 languages and countless traditions. While this diversity is a source of pride, it can also lead to divisions. Tribal conflicts and deep-rooted cultural customs can sometimes hinder the path to peace. In some regions, tensions between clans may even lead to violence, and these conflicts inevitably affect the young people in schools.

“One of the main influences that always affects (not directly the Lasallian institutions) but the staff and students is the tribal fights. One of the schools which the Brothers served for a few years and consequently had a connection with the Lasallian Mission was Mun Primary School just outside of Mt Hagen in the Highlands. This school was caught in the middle of two warring tribes and had to stop operations for a few years. Recently it resumed classes.”  –Brother Thomas

Such incidents highlight how conflicts, even those happening far from school grounds, create ripples that impact students, staff, and the wider mission. Brother Thomas adds, “If people fear for their lives, those concerned go into hiding, and their absence doesn’t help in the mission.”

In a broader context, peace isn’t just about ending conflicts. It’s about fostering understanding, promoting dialogue, and creating a sense of unity in a country where people’s identities are often closely tied to their clans. The Lasallian mission in PNG aims to help young people navigate these challenges and become advocates for peace in their own communities.
 

Education: The Heart of the Mission

At the core of the Lasallian mission in PNG is a deep belief in the transformative power of education. The De La Salle Brothers and Lasallian partners work tirelessly to provide young people—especially those from poorer, marginalised backgrounds—with the tools they need to shape their futures. But in PNG, education isn’t just about academic success. It’s also about teaching values, building character, and inspiring young people to contribute to a peaceful society.

“The first thing that struck me was the ‘Wantok’ culture which is very strong amongst the local community and family. I was also impressed by the resilience and commitment of beginning teachers in the challenges they face. Many of them come from remote areas and have been sent by their communities to prepare to come back to their local school.” Despite the tough conditions, he notes, “They value their education and they want to learn. Like all young people worldwide, they have dreams and aspirations and yet face many challenges.” –Brother Alf

In Port Moresby, Lasalle Technical College, provides not only vocational and technical training but also a values-based education, encouraging students to be active peace-builders. However, the challenges are many. In the rural areas, schools often struggle with a lack of resources, and it’s hard to attract and retain qualified teachers. But even in these difficult circumstances, the Lasallian Family is committed to reaching as many young people as possible.

“The Lasallian contribution and commitment to the local community is praiseworthy. The brothers’ community exists here from 1979. Glad to know that every brother who lived here knows the local culture and practices of the people here. That is a good way to integrate with the people and appreciate what the people are. That is why the Lasallian mission is well appreciated here.” –Brother Britto Pinto
 

Empowering the Youth for Peace

A key part of the Lasallian mission is youth empowerment. Through the Lasallian Youth Ministry (LYM), young people are encouraged to become leaders in their communities. They’re taught how to resolve conflicts, promote dialogue, and build bridges between different groups. These skills are crucial in a country where local disputes can quickly escalate and where young people often bear the brunt of the violence.

“Our Lasallians working in the Enga Province at a remote subdistrict called Tsak Valley were confronted with tribal warfare. The peripheries of the school and community became the battlefields for warring tribes. The primary school is where the Lasallians are teaching and they had nowhere to run. They held themselves together and didn’t move despite the fierce fighting which was few hundred meters away from their houses and classrooms.”  –Brother Thomas

For many young people in PNG, the Lasallian mission offers a new way of thinking about their role in society. They’re not just students—they’re future leaders who can make a real difference in promoting peace and unity.
 

Building a Future for Peace

The Lasallian Family in PNG is also deeply committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of their mission. This involves not only providing quality education but also ensuring that schools and programs in remote areas can continue to operate despite financial and logistical challenges. The mission relies on partnerships with local and international organisations, as well as the support of the global Lasallian community.

“In my time here, I have developed a great admiration and respect for the work of the previous Brothers and lay partners in PNG under what must have been very difficult, trying, and challenging conditions, particularly the pioneer Brothers and those who followed them.” –Bro Alf

The International Lasallian Days for Peace is a reminder that peace is about more than just the absence of conflict. It’s about creating a world where justice, equity, and opportunity are available to all. In PNG, the Lasallian mission continues to push forward, even when faced with significant obstacles. The focus is not just on solving immediate problems but on building a foundation for long-lasting peace.
 

A Journey Towards Peace

As Lasallians across the globe embark on this year’s pilgrimage towards peace, the work being done in PNG is a powerful example of what it means to live out the Lasallian mission. Despite the challenges of tribal conflicts, poverty, and isolation, Lasallians continues to foster hope and inspire change in the lives of young people.

Their work is a testament to the transformative power of education and the deep commitment to peace that is at the heart of the Lasallian mission. As they walk this journey, the Brothers, partners, and young leaders in PNG show that peace is not just a distant goal—it’s something that can be built, step by step, in the communities they serve.

Through their efforts, the Lasallian Family in PNG truly embodies the call to “be the peace we wish to see in the world.”