SALESIAN EDUCATORS: FEELING YOUNG FOREVER WITH THE YOUNG
By: Mr. Eric Fungo

POSTED: AUGUST 22, 2008


Education is a right of every individual in this country, in this world. It is not a privilege that you may grab or not. It is through education that a person finds and develops the true meaning of life, and changes his/her life. It is through education that Jesus’ teachings are manifested to humanity. Furthermore, it is through education that Don Bosco embedded God’s love for the young. Truly inspired by the heart of Don Bosco, the Salesians and Lay Mission Partners (LMP) of Don Bosco Makati strongly promote the rights of the young, guided by the school’s mission-vision and most importantly by Don Bosco’s Preventive System of Education.

Being immersed in the system since 2005, I have witnessed how much the school means education, how much the boys are influenced and encouraged to live according to the greatness of life. It is strongly seen in their observance of the sacraments of penance and communion. At a very young age, Bosconians have appreciated the values of repentance and forgiveness. I remembered talking to a parent who was so happy to see  her son’s willingness to go to confession. According to her, such behaviour  strongly manifests a  Salesian orientation.  Hearing stories like this one, makes me realize that the boys are nourished with the basic trainings that would help them promote life itself. The spiritual consciousness of Bosconians is a very strong aid for change.

The basic things in life are the key to unleash the innocence of the young, the instrument to educate, to promote the rights, to share to the poor, and to care for the disadvantaged. The basic things are the sources of powerful individuals to create change, - to repent, to forgive and to give.     

In response, to the Rector Major’s 2008 Strenna, which states that –“Let us educate with the heart of Don Bosco by promoting the rights of the young, poorest and disadvantaged”, the LMP’s are empowered to transcend the call. They immerse themselves to the intertwining effects of the present scenario that needs an immediate action through various activities. Indeed, sufficient understanding to the condition provided them better judgment and strategy in order to fulfil the challenge.  

The GS faculty took the first step on July 4, 2008 through a team building activity – “Re-building a stronger relationship among old and new faculty members”. The activity which fostered camaraderie strengthened the spirit of unity. In the game called “Octopuses”, the  teachers  introduced themselves through their nicknames whenever they transferred from one group to another. During the “Cross the River”, the second game, again with much enthusiasm, the old and young teachers showed so much stamina to fulfil the objective of promoting teamwork by working together with a partner in moving to the other side of the hall. Trust was tested for the third and last game. The teachers were blindfolded and they confidently followed the command of their leader in reaching the other side of the hall without touching the chairs stationed before them. There was thrill and excitement  as the teachers carried out the activities. The power that tied the teachers that day is a very strong manifestation of a dream within reach. The heart of Don Bosco clearly reflected in their faces as they broke old barriers and felt young once again.

Indeed, in educating with the heart of Don Bosco, it is essential to KNOW, to MOVE, and to TRUST. To know is to understand the young, and to understand is to care for them. To move is to animate, and to animate is to participate and be involved. To trust is to respect, and to respect is to accept. Inspired by Don Bosco, every Salesian Educator promotes the rights of the young because they understand and care for them. With this, they truly make alive what is to be a Salesian Educator, as animators of faith and life itself.