This document was produced by the Flemish Association of Lasallian Schools (VLP) in June 2002. It is interesting to note how their five challenges overlap with our five axioms.

Challenge 1 - A Source of Inspiration that is Lasallian and Christian

SJBDLS was already a man of mature faith when his life was changed by a chance encounter with underprivileged young people. His belief in Godís living and liberating love profoundly influenced his vision of education and his approach to teaching.

We challenge all educators who wish to follow in his footsteps to be open to the same spirituality and the same impulse of the Spirit.

Challenge 2 - Person-centred Education

SJBDLS made it a fundamental principle for his schools that ìpeople should always address one another in tones that are friendly and kindî. Good relationships between people are essential if we want to transmit knowledge, to educate and to form a team for this work. A school which is built on the happiness of young people is more than just a ìknowledge factoryî. We make a conscious choice in favour of providing a qualitative presence to young people. We look for concrete ways in which we can be approachable and available to talk with them. We want to be friendly guides for our students rather than impersonal judges. Because we sincerely seek what is good for our students, we adopt teaching strategies which are whole-person-centred and aimed at motivating the individual. This demands energy, but it also gives back energy in return.

For that reason we challenge all members of staff to be close to the students and to the world they live in, remembering that what is said about relations between staff and young people are just a applicable to the relations between members of the educational team.

Challenge 3 - Providing Opportunities

Each person has his or her own individual story, background, convictions, wounds, talents ..... As aschool we want to recognise this and acknowledge it.

We resolve to provide new chances for each individual, keeping in mind their personal capacities. Moreover, we will give extra attention to those who are vulnerable in life.

Challenge 4 - Awareness

The school will base all its policies on its Lasallian and Christian inspiration and apply them to its educational plans. In todayís swiftly changing situations, we will combine our efforts in order to cultivate a critical attitude and a liberating awareness in young people.

We challenge the school to be aware of and to reflect on what society is doing to young people.

Challenge 5 - Participation and Association

Our aim is to work together in warm solidarity with staff, students, parents and all others involved in the school. Contact with other schools and co-operation with them are important to us, and we will make we time and resources available for this.

In particular, we will co-operate with other schools and organisations which are motivated by a Lasallian and Christian inspiration to try and provide opportunities for young people in a way that is characterised by co-operation, person-centredness and awareness.