Social Services What a year it has been! 2009 was a year that placed immense pressure on Australia to help other communities in need. The economic downturn was affecting families, and we all experienced the sadness of the worst bushfires in our history. Over the past years we have established and built-on a strong social service commitment to help others in any way possible. The De La Salle Malvern community continues to provide support to various events and activities. Combining our contribution of $5,654 to the Archbishop’s Bushfire Appeal, with the Mission Action Day collection, a record of $80,000 was collected to assist others in need. Students gave generously of their time to the Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda. In community service, we contributed to the Social Justice Mass with donations of packaged or canned foods, the Blood Bank, cancer appeals, the Christmas Toy Appeal, St Vincent De Paul activities and, of course, the “Coolies”. Year 11 students have returned from Papua New Guinea and the Year 12 “Coolies” set off again to India to spread the word of St John Baptist, and underscore our commitment to social justice — as is evident from their commitment, actions speak louder than words.
Papua New Guinea De La Salle Brothers see education as a vital way of helping people and communities have a better future. Year 11 students were once again invited to participate in a 20-day program to improve the educational facilities at the De La Salle Mainohana Secondary School. Set on a 110 hectare site, the school provides safety and ample opportunities for development and growth of their students. The 600 male and female Year 9–12 students appreciate our involvement in helping to maintain and improve their school. Twenty-three students and five adults accepted the invitation to volunteer in 2009. In a country where unemployment is high, local students were keen to learn new skills, as well as be a part of their Australian friends’ mission. De La students also learnt new skills, as well as developing a team approach to the many tasks that needed doing. Through the excellent guidance and knowledge of their mentors, who included staff members Mr Sam Devenish and Mr Warren Walker, and volunteers Mr Laszlow Kiss and Mr Celwyn Curtis, this year’s group was able to complete a teacher’s house
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up to the lock-up stage, nearly completing another teacher’s house which had been partially constructed, digging and cementing a septic pit, replacing 30 metres of underground water pipes and painting four classrooms. The cracking pace slowed as the humidity and tiring work caught up with the boys. The three-day home stay in one of the seven surrounding villages was adventurous and rewarding. The lack of power and associated technology, as well as very limited activities and night life, helped our students see life from another perspective. Talking was a major activity!
