By Christmas 2002 we De La Salle
Brothers will have taught English here to a total of 185
persons connected with the Christian Mission. We began by
accepting just members of our own congregation, but since
then have also taught sisters, priests and brothers of many
other congregations. Some lay people connected with
Christian Education in De La Salle or other Christian
schools abroad have also been with us. Twenty-seven
different countries have been represented among our students
who have come from South America, Asia and Europe. Several
have been more than once. A six-week course is often the
choice of students but some have stayed with us several
months. Perhaps you are in contact with
Brothers of your congregation abroad who need either to
freshen up their knowledge of English or even to start
English as complete beginners. The maximum number of our
students at any one time is six, who lodge in private rooms
with ensuite bathrooms. Our time-table includes oral
lessons, time for personal study and outings twice a week.
Everything is covered by the initial fees. We all live a
life of community together. Students usually stay 6 to 8 weeks
with us, but several have had longer stays. Several students
have been twice, some thrice and one four times. Three new
countries were added to our international list this year:
Indonesia, with Brothers Lukas (provincial) and Carolus of
the Our Lady of Mercy congregation; Fathers Barbey and
Pascal Seka came from Ivory Coast and Sisay Bekele FSC from
Ethiopia Other countries represented this
year were Peru, Switzerland, Vietnam, Poland, Brazil,Spain,
Ecuador, France, Angola. In other years we have had students
from Italy, Costa Rica, Austria, Thailand, Dominican
Republic, Rwanda, Zaire, Colombia, Togo, Palestine, Panama,
Belgium, Hungary, Soudan, Central African Republic.
Several of our students were
provincials before they came to us and Brother Alvaro our De
La Salle Superior General who was our student last year. If
you come here, you will therefore be in good company!
We are refurbishing parts of our
establishment. A new phone and fax system has been
installed, the electric wiring is being dealt with, new
curtains have been hung in the classrooms and student' en
suite rooms, and the hall and front stairwell are to be
redecorated. All nice and comfortable for your return or the
arrival of your friends. Brothers Arnbrose, Brendan, Philip,
Thomas and JAMES continue to enjoy the work here: we meet
people from so many different countries and who have had
many varied experiences. In exchange for the English lessons
we give, they give us new ideas and a new ways of seeing
things: we educate one another! We hope to see you or your friends
soon. Best wishes.