austraLasia

ALA_5471

By Mr Neil Evangelista
GEX Councillor for Asia-Oceania region

EAO, 21 September 2020 -- Although it was not an intentional plan, on the last Sunday of the marathon encounter rally we were able to meet with the two extremes of our GEX Region of Asia-Oceania: a two hour virtual visit to Samoa (Pacific Delegation-AUL) and another two hour visit to Pakistan delegation (FIS). Due to these two extreme geographical points in one (final) day, there was a lot of excitement felt both in Alafua (Samoa) and in Lahore and Quetta (Pakistan). Listening to the Past pupils leadership, to their needs and concerns is a valuable learning experience also for our new World Delegate for the Past Pupils and Salesan Cooperators, Br Dominic Nam.

Samoa Past Pupils were organized in Alafua (mother house) after the memorable visit of the Rector Major (May 2015) and the Pakistani Past Pupils were organized in Lahore just last year, thanks to the animating presence of Br Alex Abelgas. In both countries the Salesians are accompanying them very closely during their initial period: in Quetta even the practical trainee, Cl. Faraz, is involved, and in both Delegations the core group is supporting their mother school in many creative ways. In spite of the pandemic both Pakistan schools contribute to solidarity with the vulnerable population in their territory. In Lahore we number some 200 active past pupils and in Alafua (Samoa) and Lahore (Pakistan) the monthly meetings of the Past Pupils is a good opportunity for their animation.

While in Samoa most of the students and past pupils are Catholic or Christian, in Pakistan we have some 10% of student population in Lahore and 35-40% students population who are followers of Islam. Nevertheless there is a good experience of religious harmony after the 20 years both schools have been open. Their concerns revolve around their employment and respective skills preparation, and deepening of their Catholic faith for those who are Catholics, amidst the religious pressure of the majority, and a strong need to form their leaders.

We admired the professional communication system of Lahore and Quetta Don Bosco with their digital platforms

While from Samoa we admired the age-long wisdom shared by one young Samoan auditor at the 2018 Vatican Synod on Young People, Faith and Vocation Discernment: about the canoe that is rowed by the younger generation (GEX - Young Past Pupils?!), while the elderly (Adult Past Pupils) observe the stars to keep the right direction.

During a lively dialogue many pragmatic and essential questions were raised for the development of their Association:

How can the World Confederation assist the development of these young centres and future Federation by any possible means?
How can we keep in touch with Past Pupils around the world?
What are the main concerns of the (young) Past Pupils in the multi-religious society?
What is the main benefit of joining the Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco?

At the end of the 3-month round of some 20 meetings with the Asia-Oceania Federations or local Unions of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, the 5 member animation team shared its first brain-storming on how to build up this valuable experience of the 'first' meetings:

Each group of Past Pupils was happy to see each other. We felt, that we need each other and we are called to follow up this now-established relationship
We strengthen our conviction (through the strong call of all Past Pupils) that we need to invest in the formation of the SDBs as Delegates to the Past Pupils
We met 'face-to-face' on the screen, since emails are not answered. It was almost like a visit, now we know each other. How can we build on this?
We witnessed a large diversity of cultures and situations, but we felt some 'universal' challenges facing the Federations. We need to assist them.
The 150th anniversary is a valuable occasion for the growth of the Association all around the globe.

Yes, at the end one simple question remains - HOW can we fruitfully follow up? Please, help us!