The Lasallian Mission

Foyer De La Salle Akwaba in Côte d Ivoire, Africa

Group 4 Julianna Grace Abelong. Kyana Jen T. Ayahao. Eli Knicole T. Corpuz. Blanca Eunice Y. Dela Cruz. Allen Iverson De Guzman. Dennise Marith M. Gapusan. Kristine Lei O. Ignacio. Felipe T. Pono III. Luis Yñigo P. Ribaya.

Greetings in St. La Salle!Welcome to our presentation of the Lasallian story! We strive to embody the Lasallian values and virtues in our everyday lives, hoping to pass along the knowledge that we have learned unto others. From our current status as students towards our future professions, we bring with us our experience and guidance bestowed upon by the Lasallian community to give service to those in need similar to the stories told by our Lasallian Brothers and sisters.The chosen Lasallian story was one set in Côte d Ivoire, Africa. The Foyer De La Salle Akwaba. The concern for the youth in abusive environments and service to rediscover the children’s human dignity touched our hearts, and really displayed what being a Lasallian is. Their stories of sacrifice and service have inspired our group to create not one creative work but two pieces that embraced the efforts of the Lasallian community in Akwaba.Continue on to view the creative pieces created by the group!

• poster
• poem

.EXPLANATION.

In this poster, the group wishes to express that the poster here represents three identifiable elements: the wellbeing of the child, the sacrifice of the elders and the role of Foyer De La Salle in the grand scheme of things.With regards to the first element, one may take a glance at the poster and observe the presence of the children, even the words of one child himself. They surround the brothers and may appear focused, welcome, or joyful, around them. As if to say that their presence gives them joy, gives them purpose, or as in the words of the child Abraham “comfort” and “love.”Anent the second element, one may now look at the brothers themselves, or otherwise the “elders” of Foyer De La Salle. In their quotes, they speak of their sacrifice. Sacrifice with regards to being a teacher, or even being more than that. To be more in order to be capable of being able to create this place that some may call home.And in view of this sacrifice then is where comes the third element that exists above all, both literally and figuratively in the poster. This being the role of Foyer De La Salle. It is only possible that a sacrifice be made for the creation of a place of comfort and love for children with no place to call their own if there is a Foyer De La Salle to serve as a medium for the work of the brothers.Sacrifice is meaningless if there is no one to receive whatever benefits may come, and just the same a home cannot exist if there is no place to build it. Hence Foyer De La Salle is placed above all, as it is only in allowing this place to exist that one may work for the greater good, and that the children are able to find a place in a world that has left them nowhere to go.Overall, the message that the poster wishes to express is that Foyer De La Salle is a home for the children, where the brothers may work to continue to make a home for the children. And it is only in the founding of Foyer De La Salle that people may work to continue the mission of St. La Salle, that is to be able to contribute to the greater good, and that a child may not feel lost any longer.

• home
• poem

to be taught of hope

(a free-verse poem)

To the ones who fought
To them who strived for what was lost
To the needy and the pained
To the ones who couldn't be saved
To the people who thought they couldn't belong
Believe me when I say that you are wrong.A new chapter, a new opportunity
A door to them, a learning journey
Creating a community that fosters love for humanity
We offer ourselves, our mission, our god from above
Restating the despondent fate they ones believed to be
We offer our time, our care, our most authentic love
Do not fault yourself for your despair
Trust in me now, you are in our care.It won't be the richest path—
Neither the worst or the best,
But we'll help you move forward from your past
So never assume that each breath's your last.
There is something here for you, greater than you can imagine.
All you need to do now is believe that it will happen.

.POEM READING.

.EXPLANATION.

The poem entitled “to be taught of hope” is a message of hope and encouragement to those who have experienced struggle and loss. It recognizes the pain and despair they may have felt, but also assures them that they are not alone and that there is a new chapter awaiting them.The poem embodies the goals of the Lasallian mission by embodying St. La Salle’s commitment to providing assistance to the poor, fostering community, promoting peace, and seeking justice. The poem recognizes and acknowledges those who have faced hardships, fought battles, and felt lost. This mirrors the Lasallian commitment to reaching out to individuals in need, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged. Moreover, the poem also highlights the Lasallian ideal of creating an inclusive and supportive environment that cherishes the dignity of every person. Through shared efforts and dedication to the mission, Lasallians aim to create a sense of belonging and acceptance. It offers reassurance that there is a community being created, one that fosters love for humanity.Lastly, the poem recognizes that the journey ahead may be filled with obstacles, yet it inspires individuals to courageously embrace the possibilities for personal growth and positive change. This deeply aligns with the Lasallian mission’s dedication to guiding young people towards a brighter future through the transformative power of education, guidance, and personal development.