The Power of Connection: The Impact of the Global Lasallian Community

When Ben Ingram, Benildus House Coordinator at La Salle College Middle Swan WA, stepped into De La Salle College in Toronto, he fulfilled a long-held dream to experience the Canadian education system. His journey offers a compelling glimpse into the transformative power of Lasallian education—a legacy that continues to shape lives across continents through its vast network of hundreds of communities worldwide.

The Lasallian educational network is one of the world's most extensive faith-based learning networks. As of December 2023, the global mission encompasses exactly 1,154 educational works. The network's reach is particularly evident in its distribution of works across key regions, including Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States.

The Institute's spirit is powerfully demonstrated through its global presence of 2,883 Brothers, which form a robust network of dedicated educators and spiritual leaders. Of these Brothers, in 2023, 2,604 have made their perpetual vows, while 279 serve with temporary vows, reflecting both the stability and continued growth of the congregation. This legacy continues to attract new vocations, with 83 novices in formation and hundreds of aspirants and postulants preparing to join the Brotherhood as of last year. The commitment to the Lasallian mission extends beyond the Brothers themselves, encompassing 107,827 partners and 1,561 Associates who have made formal public commitments to the Institute's educational mission.

The Lasallian approach is built upon five fundamental principles that Ben witnessed firsthand during his visit to Toronto:

• Faith in the Presence of God: Lasallian schools nurture an awareness of God's living presence, encouraging all to see the world through the "eyes of faith."

• Concern for the Poor and Social Justice: The community actively commits to solidarity with people experiencing poverty and victims of injustice through service, advocacy, and education.

• Quality Education: Students are prepared not just to contribute to society but to transform it, using their knowledge to engage with the world through a Gospel lens.

• Respect for All Persons: The network emphasises respect-filled relationships as the heart of Lasallian education, recognising each person's dignity as a child of God.

• Inclusive Community: Diversity is celebrated within a united community where every individual's unique story is embraced as part of the broader Body of Christ.

"I have always dreamed of experiencing the Canadian education system," Ben reflects, his words echoing the aspirations of many educators within this vast network. "As an existing member of a Lasallian school in Western Australia, I was particularly eager to observe how another Lasallian institution operates in a different cultural and educational context." His experience represents the kind of cross-cultural exchange possible within a network spanning thousands of educators worldwide.

During his observation period at De La Salle College Toronto, Ben immersed himself in a dynamic educational environment. "I witnessed engaging classroom interactions where teachers and students actively participated in the learning process," he shares. "The emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and holistic development provides students with a strong foundation, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in higher education and beyond."

What particularly resonated with Ben was the school's faith-driven mission, a characteristic that unifies all 1,154 Lasallian works. "De La Salle College provides a nurturing space for students to foster a deeper understanding and relationship with God," he notes. "The school is deeply rooted in Lasallian values and principles, which emphasise service, community, and respect. These values were evident in every aspect of school life."

The hundreds of Lasallian communities and thousands of educational works create unprecedented opportunities for professional development and cross-cultural exchange. This global connection is powerfully demonstrated through immersion programs that unite Lasallian communities globally. Recent examples include St Michael's College's 12-day Vietnam immersion, where thirty-five students and staff members engaged with Lasallian schools in the remote regions of Dak Mil and Pleiku. Under the guidance of the Vietnamese Brothers, students participated in classes, sports, and cultural activities, forming lasting bonds with their Vietnamese peers.

Similarly, Oakhill College's "Lasallians Without Borders" initiative has created meaningful connections in India and Fiji. In Southern India, staff and students worked alongside their peers at St James and St La Salle in Suranam and St Pius X Boystown, engaging in building projects, sports, concerts, and cultural exchange. In Fiji, teams have contributed to community development through projects at Ratu Filise Primary School and various village communities, demonstrating the Lasallian commitment to service and cross-cultural understanding.

From painting schools in Vietnam to playing chess in India, from serving lunches in Dak Mil to farming in Fijian villages, these exchanges create deep, lasting connections that transcend cultural boundaries.

What particularly resonated with Ben was the school's faith-driven mission, a characteristic that unifies all Lasallian works. This spiritual dimension is evident in experiences like St Michael's College students climbing to one of the world's largest Jesus statues in Vung Tau, Vietnam, or Oakhill College students helping to repair and refurbish a chapel roof in India.

The vitality of the Lasallian mission is evident not only in its current scope but in its future potential. The presence of 2,883 Brothers, over 100,000 lay partners and 1,160,328 students worldwide points to a future where the mission will continue to evolve and grow.

The commitment of thousands of Brothers and Lasallian partners, ensures the continuation of this educational legacy. Their work is amplified by ongoing partnerships and immersion programs that create lasting impacts in communities worldwide, from the coffee plantations of Vietnam to the villages of Fiji.

"This experience deepened my understanding of how faith and academic excellence can work together to shape students' futures," Ben concludes, echoing the transformative experiences of students and educators across the global Lasallian network. "I look forward to applying these insights in my own Lasallian community."

For educators and students interested in becoming part of this thriving global community, the opportunities are boundless. Whether through professional development, immersion experiences, exchanges between the network's educational works, or collaborative projects spanning multiple countries, the Lasallian community offers numerous pathways to engagement and growth. As recent immersion programs in Vietnam, India, and Fiji demonstrate, these experiences create lasting memories and meaningful connections that embody the true spirit of Lasallian education.