It’s almost a week since I arrived in Pakistan and opportunities to write have been limited by time and numerous “brown outs” which are common occurrences. For those who don’t know, a “brown-out is the term for a drop in voltage in an electrical power supply – it’s not as drastic as a blackout, but the dim lights and the reduction in power is annoying!

Anyway…after a long flight from Sydney, I arrived at Lahore international airport to be greeted by Brothers Sajid and Lutu. We then set off on a 3 hour drive to La Salle High school in Faisalabad. (Faisalabad is the third largest city in Pakistan after Karachi and Lahore).

In Faisalabad, the Brothers run a number of schools, the largest being La Salle High School which is known as an English medium school. Of the almost 2,000 students that attend, most are Muslim.

Enjoying my sleep after the long journey, the next day started early and there was no need to be woken up by an alarm.  At 4.30am I heard the first Muslim call to prayer from a nearby Mosque.  If that didn’t wake me up the second call to prayer at 5.45 would have! 

During the first morning in Faisalabad I visited several Lasallian schools. At each visit I received a warm welcome, which consisted of walking between a tunnel of students who showered me with rose petals and presented me with flowers! I lost count of the number of students who came to greet me and shake my hand saying “God bless you Brother.” 

Each school put on some item – sometimes a dance, other times a song.  At one school, the students were well prepared and sang “Waltzing Matilda!”

During my 3 days in Faisalabad I ran a workshop for teachers on leadership skills and youth formation. 

Next I headed to Multan, another large city in Pakistan. On the way, the traffic was constant and the roads in various states of disrepair.  The suspensions on some of the trucks must be good because they seemed to be carrying humongous loads that have to be seen to be believed.  

The situation in Multan is quite tense following the army offensive in the North West.  Most schools have been closed in the city for security reasons.  The school I am working at has armed police guards at each of the gates.  And today the local area police command is coming to the school to give teachers and students a safety briefing.

Yesterday, I worked with a group of 50 student leaders from the two Lasalle English medium schools in Multan. The students were friendly and eager to learn. Cricket is a popular topic of conversation! 

Today I will work with teachers and young adults who coordinate the youth programs at the schools.

I have one more day left in Pakistan before I head off to Singapore to work with some of the Lasallian youth coordinators there.

It’s been a inspiring visit and a great opportunity to share ideas and information with the students and staff. This year, the Brothers celebrate 50 years of La Salle Education in Pakistan. Through the dedication and efforts of many over the years one can’t help but be inspired by the commitment to educate and care for young people. Every work of the Brothers in Pakistan represents a wide cultural cross-section of the society (religion and race) where there is a real mutual respect among all.

Until next time,

Peace