LATAMM A R C H 2 0 1 7

CREATING A MORE HUMAN

WORLD

CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERS • LATIN AMERICAN REGION

Latin American Network: Committed to serving others

2 LATAM March 2017

FLOODS AND MUDSLIDES IN PERU.

"I only ask of God, that I am not indifferent to the pain"

León Gieco

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March 2017 LATAM 3

The LATAM MAGAZINE is the magazine of the Latin American Region – Christian Brothers and is published 11 times per year—January/February combined, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Publication office, Edmund Rice Development Office for the Latin American Region, is at Urbanización Arriba Perú, Canto Grande, Lima. Tlf. 388–5852. The LATAM MAGAZINE publishes text, photos and illustrations sent by our correspondents from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Uruguay. Requests to reproduce text material should be addressed to the Edmund Rice Development Office, edmundorice.comunicaciones@gmail.com. The views expressed in the LATAM MAGAZINE are those of the authors and may not reflect the official policies of the Congregation. No endorsement of those views should be referred unless specifically identified as the official view of the Congregation of Christian Brothers.

GOT A STORY/IDEA/PASTORAL MISSION? We want to hear from you, send us your ideas to: edmundorice.comunicaciones@gmail.com

NEED TO CONTACT THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS? Answers to many of your vocational questions might be found at our website or you could contact us at: vocacionescfc@gmail.com

LEADERSHIP TEAMHugo Cáceres – Leader

Kevin BernardPaul Keohane

HENDRICKEN HOUSE, LIMA – PERUHugo CáceresPablo KeohaneStephen Casey

CANTO GRANDE COMMUNITY, LIMA – PERUJames Glos

Richard GlatzJohn Sullivan

Michael O'Donnell

CHIMBOTE COMMUNITY, PERUKevin Bernard

Ever CiezaVincent Peragine

NUEVO HORIZONTE COMMUNITY, CHIMBOTE – PERUSean DiFiglia

Charles Fitzsimmons

COCHABAMBA COMMUNITY, BOLIVIAEddie McArdleDermot CreganAlberto Llanos Jorge TaveraAníbal Torres

BUENOS AIRES COMMUNITY, ARGENTINAMichael Lynch

Jack CaseyStanis Hayes

Eamon O'DonnellThomas O'Connell

STELLA MARIS COLLEGEMontevideo, Uruguay

BROTHER MANOLO CENTRECochabamba, Bolivia

FE Y ALEGRIA COLLEGELima, Peru

CARDINAL NEWMAN COLLEGEBuenos Aires, Argentina

MUNDO MEJOR COLLEGEChimbote, Peru

Please recycle this magazine

4 LATAM March 2017

ONE BETTER WORLD

10Campaign organised by Colegio Mundo Mejor

After the natural disasters in the northern coast of Peru, many people were summoned to help. Volunteers from Colegio Mundo Mejor carried out a campaign to collect food for the victims of the town of Cascajal.

FROM 'LA CANCHA'

21Gumercindo and his role at the Centre

Gumercindo is 22 years old, as a child he worked in 'La Cancha' with his younger brothers, now he works at the CeHM office and he is a reference for change for children and adolescents attending the center.

ADVOCACY IN CANADA

26Advocacy as an educational proposal

Juan Pablo Eviner, a member of the Edmund Rice International Lat-in America team attended the first conference organized by the North American Province, on Advocacy, which took place in Canada.

FEATURES

March 2017 LATAM 5

CONTENT MARCH 2017

Fron the leadership team

1006

The art of listening and being listened.

Volunteers Alfareros09

Group of volunteers from Colegio Stella Maris.

One Better World10

Campaign organized by Colegio Mundo Mejor.

FOOTPRINTS OF SOLIDARITY13

Follwing Blessed Ed-mund Rice's example of solidarity.

FROM 'LA CANCHA' 21

He used to be a working child, now he works at the Brother Manolo Centre.LEAVING A GREEN SPOT14

Children and families care about the environ-ment at Fe y Alegria.

A NOVICE FOR THE REGION19

On March 17th, Anibal Torres joined the Broth-ers as a novice.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BRUNO25

Stella Maris teacher, Bruno Cazzuli, spent some time at Waverley College, Australia.

ADVOCACY 26

Juan Pablo Eviner, member of ERI Latin America participated on the Advocacy workshop in Canada.Have courage; the good seed will grow

up in the childrens' hearts later on.Edmund Rice

6 LATAM March 2017

FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAMTHE ART OF LISTENING AND BEING HEARD

Karl Jung stated that "loneliness is not having people around us, but the inability to communicate things that are important to us." The Christian Brothers know that participating in the world of education and community life demands high levels of basic communication skills. Can we communicate the things that are important to us? And more importantly, do we allow people around us to communicate freely? The need of increasing our ability to communicate

important things led us to gather for the first meeting of community leaders in the Region. We had a workshop on Levels of Communication, led by the specialist Juan Pablo Berra (author of the book Los siete niveles de la comunicación, El arte de aprender a escuchar y escucharse, Buenos Aires, 3ra edición, 2da reimpresión 2017).

What excites me today? What is the good news of the week? What important events occurred in the last month, summer, year, etc.? What project do you have in mind? How can I better communicate with that person? These are just examples to exercise a way of listening that does not judge, that pays total attention and that allows us to move up in the levels of communication.

As the subtitle of the book states, listening is a delicate art that involves educating perception and empathy. Through varied and even fun exercises, Juan Pablo led us through various levels of communication. His talent and valuable ability to be transparent to all, was an invitation that the Brothers accepted joyfully to communicate with each other during the rest of our meeting in Buenos Aires in early March.

Thank you, Juan Pablo, for your valuable help and Brother Miguel Lynch for having suggested to us his presence.

Hugo Cáceres, Leader of the Latin American Region

March 2017 LATAM 7

Jose Reyes 'pepito', is the charismatic coordinator of the Campus Ministry of Co-legio Mundo Mejor. José teaches religion to high school students and is very committed to the creation of campaigns in favor of the environment and human rights. His commitment to the school has allowed him to participate in multiple meetings of the Latin Amer-ica Network. Last year he was present at the EREBB Congress in Calcutta.

Alberto Llanos, is a broth-er who is passionate about education, he is from Lima and currently lives in the community of Cochabamba. He is in charge of the for-mation of young men who begin the process of getting to know the Congregation of Christian Brothers. In addition to accompanying a novice, he actively partici-pates in the activities of the Hermano Manolo Center. Brother Alberto is passion-ate about travelling and from time to time, he goes on trips with his sisters.

Paola Miranda is a former student of Colegio Mundo Mejor. She has participated in many meetings and mis-sions in the Latin America Region. During her years of school she had an outstand-ing participation in the outreach program, service is what better describes her. She is finishing her studies in law in the National Uni-versity of Santa in Chimbo-te. Together with students and alumni, she is forming a group of volunteers to increase the participation of the Network in the Region.

Jorge Tavera is a brother with temporary vows who lives in Cochabamba. Born in the city of Trujillo that was recently hit hard by El Niño. Jorge is graduated with Communication Stud-ies and, has a very active role in the Assembly of Young Religious of Bolivia. Jorge works in the Centro Hermano Manolo. He helps the children to do their homework and accompa-nies them in sports activi-ties, on the weekends.

Juan Pablo Eviner works in the office of Edmund Rice International for Latin America, together with Guillermo Bullrich. Juan Pablo studies law in the Catholic University of Buenos Aires, is a past pupil of Colegio Cardinal Newman. His passion for law and human rights has led him to participate in many meetings and work-shops organized within the Latin American and global network.

CONTRIBUTORS

8 LATAM March 2017

#NewmanHC

#CEHMLatAm

#FYA26HC

#CEPMundoMejorHC

#StellaMarisHC

March 2017 LATAM 9

VOLUNTEERS ALFAREROS

Last Saturday, the 1st of April the first activity of the group of Volunteers "Alfareros" was carried out. The group was made up of students from the secondary. On this occasion, a solidarity intervention was carried out at Colegio Sagrado Corazón in Paso Carrasco, where some 23 volunteers painted classroom chairs for the Primary students.

This was the first of many activities organized for this year, where young people showed enthusiasm and joy that in a short time they have helped many people in the community around the school.

The 'Potters' meet every Tuesday at 16:30 in the School. They are waiting for you to join them!

10 LATAM March 2017

Campaign organized by Colegio Mundo Mejor to support the people affected

Faced with the natural disasters that are affecting the coast of Peru, including our city, Colegio Mundo Mejor could not be unaware of providing assistance to those who need it. For this

reason, the "One Better World" Campaign of solidarity was initiated by teachers of the school with the support of students, alumni, parents and all those who voluntarily sent their donations.

One of the most affected places near Chimbote has been Casacajal, a large area of fields and crops, wildlife and many trees, where several families lived on agriculture.

At nine o'clock on the morning of Thursday, March 23, we set off with two trucks full of clothing and food, and four vans with teachers and former students.

During the long ride, we witnessed the great disasters caused by the passing of the mudslides: collapsed houses and others filled with mud, destroyed crops, broken canals, etc. The inhabitants of the affected areas lost everything and desperately needed clothes and food. Many places were affected, we decided to provide assistance to four sites in the area.

When we arrived in the first town, we all got to work, there was much to do. We placed on the ground the boxes of clothes, previously classified in the school. We organized in small groups where some teachers delivered bags with provisions to each family who was present.

BY PAOLA MIRANDA

Infants, children, young people, adults and elderly were benefited by the delivery of clothing such as t-shirts, pants, jackets, shorts, caps and shoes. Many of them, while filling their bags with clothes, told us that because of the mudslide they had no clothes left and finally they got a change.

In the second town, there was a large number of children to whom we gave clothing and toys. Likewise, the delivery of food was made to each of the families. One of the ladies told us that there was a flooding. It had rained all night so they decided that from the afternoon to go to the hill to sleep and then, return early in the morning to their homes. She added that most of her electrical appliances had been damaged and that the little they had been able to rescue,

ONE BETTER WORLD

March 2017 LATAM 11

in the common dining room.

We did all we could to help the people in need, from the very early in the morning to almost four in the afternoon we spent with the families. The heat was intense and with empty stomachs we decided that it was time to go back to Chimbote.

We were tired, it was a long day but we felt incredibly energized by being able to help our brothers and sisters in need.

In return we received kind words of gratitude. It was an important effort for us but at the end of the day, it was definitely worth it.

thieves took in the night.

In the third town, there were few families, but the disasters were blunt: crops destroyed, houses half filled with mud and one had collapsed completely. The owner of one of the houses, told us that he had been left with nothing and was currently staying at one of his neighbors' house. Other villagers mentioned that they had lost animals and crops.

When we reached our last stop, we noticed that there was a large number of families who had built their houses with sticks and mats, on the slope of a hill because they had lost their houses with the floods and mudslide.

A large amount of clothing was delivered to the villagers, as well as provisions that were left

12 LATAM March 2017

“Were we to know the merit of only going from one street to another to serve a neighbor for the love of God, we should prize it more than gold and silver."

Edmund Rice

March 2017 LATAM 13

FOLLOWING THE FOOTPRINTS OF SOLIDARITYAn experience of faith and hope in the midst of pain

BY JOSÉ REYES

Tired faces were seen after long days of collecting donations.

After collecting the donations, the volunteers went to the most affected areas like Huambacho, Cascajal, part of the countryside, Vinzos, among others. They distributed the donations among the families.

As Pope Francis said, hope founded on faith never disappoints.

Mudslides, heavy rains, floods and all the inclemencies that were unleashed by

the forces of nature and reduced to rubble houses, schools and complete towns in Peru. That scene created misery and hope. It sparked a wave of support. Thousands of people offered themselves as volunteers in order to help those in need.

Chimbote was one of the cities affected by the floods. Our school community set itself on the path of solidarity and organized a great campaign where students, alumni, parents, teachers and Christian brothers, gathered to collaborate.

No doubt that this great solidarity and concern for our brothers and sisters who were suffering was inherited from Blessed Edmund Rice, that solidarity was observed by each of our volunteers.

From the first half of March, our volunteers visited families and markets, collected food, clothing, water, medicine and other basic supplies for the families affected by the floods.

The facilities of the school served as the collection center for all

donations.

14 LATAM March 2017

FE Y ALEGRIALeaving a green footprint with my familyBY MERCEDES CABALLERO

At Fe y Alegría School, a green area is being created where teachers, students and parents are actively participating. On Sunday mornings, from six in the

morning, parents and their children gather at the school gate, ready to have a family morning, planting trees, taking care of the environment and planting life.

March 2017 LATAM 15

16 LATAM March 2017

LEAVING A GREEN FOOTPRINT

It's almost 6 in the morning. Silent streets, some stray dogs, and hurrying footsteps, parents and children were approaching the school gate, carrying tools and banners. Miss Mercedes is already standing in front of the gate,

waiting for them.

A Physical Education teacher, Mercedes Caballero, has been working for 32 years in the school. Together with a group of colleagues from Colegio Fe y Alegría, she has set out to put some color in the vacant hill of the school.

In July 2015, two teachers from Fe y Alegría, Mercedes and Heidy Rojas, attended the meeting of ERI Coordinators of Educational Centers in the Latin American Region, where in addition to participating in very important sessions, they also learned what is the role of the coordinator in the area of Ecology.

"In the educational centers of the Region, the work of those responsible for ERI, is to promote and accompany the process of each educational center, seeking to raise awareness on the issue of Human Rights and Rights of the Earth."

"From that time, I understood the importance of our work as teachers and how we could encourage students and parents to care for the environment" - Says Mercedes.

Since September of that same year, she decided to put into action the agreement of the Cochabamba meeting.

In coordination with the project manager of Cerro Verde, Mr. José Santa Cruz, Mercedes has carried out several family activities. These activities bear a special stamp because the students who come to plant the trees on the hill, come with their families. These activities have been carried out at least once a month during 2016.

In addition to the presence of parents, students and other teachers, the Brothers of the Canto Grande Community have also participated in several opportunities.

Together with the parents and students of the high school and with some teachers such as Nilda Sanchez, Lourdes Tacco and Ebony Caballero, also with the presence of Brother Richard Glatz and the environmental promoter of the Municipality of Lima, Mr. Percy Gutierrez Escalante, on the first Sunday of April, more than 150 trees were planted.

Previous to the planting, Mercedes with three students: Victor Hugo Cordova, Fabian Lavado and Diego Andre Gamarra, and an

Environmental Engineer, Lina Paucar and the Environmental Promoter of the Municipality of Lima, Percy Gutierrez Escalante, delineated the lots of land where the trees were to be planted.

On Sunday, April 2nd, 85 families, including teachers, students and alumni, dug 25-inch by 6 inches holes. They added fertilizer and prepared soil. They planted life.

The commitment of each family is to take special care of each tree planted. Parents and children will be in charge of watering the plants with recycled water brought from their homes.

The hill will continue to increase its greenness because Miss Mercedes will be with more students, parents, teachers and alumni working to make it possible.

March 2017 LATAM 17

On Sunday, April 2nd, 85 families, including teachers, students and alumni, dug 25-inch by 6 inches holes. They added fertilizer and prepared soil. They planted life.

18 LATAM March 2017

STUDENTS IN THE REGIONThe school year has just begun in this part of the world. The five educational insti-tutions provide quality education with Christian values to many young people in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Uruguay. 1256

STUDENTS IN STELLA MARISColegio Stella Maris, better known by the students as 'El Christian', is located in Montevideo and has the following levels: Kindergarten,

Primary and Secondary (Basic and Bachillerato). The total number of students is 1,256 where 544 are girls and 712 boys.

Sports and the outreach programs define 'El Christian'.

Students attend Colegio Mundo Mejor. The school is located

in the city of Chimbote in the northern coast of Peru. The school is well known for its achievements in the field of education. It

has been awarded by universities and

authorities. Mundo Mejor has a well

organized outreach program.

119 CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WHO WORK AND STUDY, ATTEND THE BROTHER MANOLO CENTER

1100 BOYS FROM COLEGIO CARDENAL NEWMAN

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BY THE NUMBERS

STUDENTS WITH FAITH AND JOYAt Colegio Fe y Alegria in Canto Grande, Lima, 1,404 students attend,

674 are girls and 730 are boys. It has two sessions, Secondary students attend the school in the morning and the little ones from Primary

attend the school in the afternoon. Students from Fe y Alegria love serving others, recylcing and earning eco-points.

1404

Brother Manolo Center is located in Cochabamba. A small office in the second floor of the train station is the right place to do homework, seek advise and talk to someone. 119 children and teenagers who work in the local market 'La Cancha' attend the center, as well as their parents.

After a year in Argentina, in 1947, the Brothers opened the first school for boys in the Region. Cardinal Newman is noted for the well structured network of outreach programs, a cohesive group of alumni and a huge passion for rugby.

1050

March 2017 LATAM 19

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ANIBAL TORRES JOINS THE NOVICIATE IN COCHABAMBAAnibal is a Peruvian man who has known the congregation since 2013. On March 17 he officially entered the novitiate

BY ALBERTO LLANOS

The morning of March 17th, 2017 was very different from any other. In the community of Cochabamba, Bolivia, Aníbal Torres was received by the community as a novice. Aníbal

is a Peruvian young mn who has known the congregation since the year 2013, when he began his process of joining the Brothers and from 2014 he shared experiences of living in different communities in Peru.

Now, Anibal is in Bolivia, together with two Irish brothers (Eddie McCardle and Dermot Cregan) and two Peruvians (Jorge Tavera and Alberto Llanos). For this time of formation as a novice, he will undertake studies in an institute of religious life, pastoral work with children and girls at risk. The community life and the time of reflection and prayer will be a key part during this time of his formation.

The ceremony was simple but significant: early in the morning the community gathered to pray around a candle and a crucifix (sent from Peru and made by Brother Michael in Lima). There were two readings, from the Gospel and the Constitutions. Now Anibal is part of our congregation.

An image of the Virgin of Perpetual Help was also given to Anibal, the image has accompanied the brothers since the first community in Latin America (Buenos Aires, 1947). Both presents, the cucifix and the image, are for us symbols of surrender and faith of the Brothers who preceded us in the mission in the American lands.

We wish for Anibal and for all the Brothers in the Region the best of success in religious life and in mission.

Knowing that we carry in our "earthen vessels" the responsibility to continue transmitting the Gospel of Jesus to the people of the 21st century and to continue living in the charism of Blessed Edmundo Rice, accompanying those made poor in our society.

Live Jesus in our hearts. Forever!

20 LATAM March 2017

March 2017 LATAM 21

BROTHER MANOLO CENTREFrom 'La Cancha' to the CenterBY JORGE TAVERA

Brother Manolo Center opened its doors in 2009. The small office on the second floor of the Cochabamba train station keeps hectic. Children and ad-olescents who work in the local

market 'La Cancha' and study, attend the cen-tre. There, brothers, volunteers and workers like "Gumer" accompany the children. Gumer-cindo was once a boy who worked in 'La Can-cha' market together with his younger broth-ers.

22 LATAM March 2017

FROM WORKING CHILD TO WORK AT THE BROTHER MANOLO CENTER

When I started to visit Barrientos Street in Cochabamba, I found several children and teenagers shining shoes, calling to their clients to polish their shoes for only 1.50 Bolivian pesos, sometimes fighting among themselves because one client preferred one boy and not the other. That caused me to reflect: What future do these children have?

Gumercindo Pachacopa Vela, a teenager who at the age of 12 emigrated with all his family from a small village on the mountains in department of Sucre to Cochabamba. His desire to work led him to polish shoes along with his younger brothers in the city's bus terminal. One day, Gumercindo was invited to participate in the sports activities by one educator from the Brother Manolo Center. That's when he began to attend the center. He found support from the educators who accompanied and oriented him in doing his homework. He always emphasized that thanks to center's support, he was able to finish his secondary school. "The treatment they gave me was really caring, in the center I learned principles and values."

When he finished high school, he served in the army in the city of Santa Cruz. Upon returning, he was invited to be part of the focus group (group of older boys who met on Sundays), from there he began to frequent the office again. Each Sunday he showed enthusiasm and participation in the different activities. For his perseverance, he was invited to participate in a Cristóforo Leadership course in which he reinforced his principles such as respect, patience and learned to be a leader.

Currently, at 22, Gumercindo works part-time at the center. He is in charge of the office. Each afternoon, he keeps the office in order and makes sure that the children do their homework, he also organizes the groups to carry out different activities. At break time, he gives refreshments to everyone and always has words of encouragement, advice, suggestions to the children. Because of his participation and dedication to the children, he is well respected among the children. They look up to him as an example to follow.

"I feel good being in charge of the office because I can learn to work as a team and gain experience working with children. I feel happy, calm and I want to fulfill my duties." says Gumercindo.

THE GOOD SEED HAS GROWNWhat future do these children have? It was the question I asked

myself when I visited the children who attend the centre. I think they have a chance of changing many things. This year, 3 young men who attended the center for many years entered the University of San Simon, which is a living example that things can be different for all who attend the center. Now the children can dream of getting higher education.

When Gumercindo tells his story to the children, he was a little just like them. He cannot hide the gratitude he feels for all the volunteers and workers from the center who oriented him and provided support with school activities. The children always listen carefully when he has something to say.

Gumercindo now studies Mechanical Engineering. He has learned to balance his studies with work and responsibilities at home. In the mornings, he attends university and in the afternoons he works at the office in the Brother Manolo Center.

Gumercindo is one of the young men who show that the charism and mission of Edmundo Rice continues to transcend. Definitely, the good seed has grown.

Gumercindo now studies Mechanical Engineering.

He has learned to balance his studies with work and

responsibilities at home. In the mornings, he attends

university and in the afternoons he works at the

office in the Brother Manolo Center.

March 2017 LATAM 23

TO MY DEAR CEHM

My dear CEHM,you are part of my life

in you I have learned, I sang and I laughed,and much happiness you brought to my life

that I never imagined to say good-bye.

I came to you with just 12the years have passed and now I am 18 years old,

Those were joyful years of my lifeduring that time you have shaped my personality.

I am Gumercindo and I feel happybecause I will always carry you in my heart,

I’ll take care of your memory like to a flower,and you will remain alive in me.

Brothers and educatorshave given me love and understanding

You are part of my life and“I carry you in my heart”

I pray thatGod blesses you all

so you could continue teachingwith all your love.

(Poem written by Gumercindo Pachacopa, days before joining the Army)

24 LATAM March 2017

ADVOCACYACTIVELY SUPPORTING A CAUSE AND TRYING TO GET OTHERS TO SUPPORT IT AS WELL.

#ERILatAm

March 2017 LATAM 25

Last Thursday we farewelled Bruno Cazzuli who was a visiting teacher from Uruguay. Bruno is a teacher at the Stella Maris Christian

Brothers school in Montevideo. He was taking part in a study tour of two Edmund Rice schools in Australia.

Over the course of the three weeks that he spent with us, he engaged with all of our Spanish classes from Years 8 to 12. For our senior boys it was an excellent opportunity for them to have access to a native speaker and put their speaking skills to the test! Fortunately, they rose to the occasion.

Since our new Spanish teacher, Katia Iturrieta, is originally from Chile, her Year 10 class were able to try ‘Mate’, a popular herbal drink in quite a few Latin American countries. Que rico!

With the other year groups, he gave two captivating presentations about life in Uruguay and the history of his school. The former afforded our students to develop their intercultural understanding and gain insight into a Spanish speaking country.

This is a key component of any language course. The latter involved the story of the tragic plane crash of 1972 as they were students of the school. This provided our boys with a relevant experience as it is very much an example of resilience and human strength, something that is often a discussion point with the boys.

Bruno engaged fully with all aspects of school life and was amazed at the opportunities and resources that are available to the boys. The boys, in turn, did us proud in being extremely respectful and showing genuine interest in his culture by asking insightful questions after each presentation.

Bruno’s school does wonderful work with various outreach projects and it is therefore hoped that, now that we have built a positive relationship with the school, it will provide future opportunities for the boys. In the meantime, we are going to set up a penpal system so the boys can further their Spanish skills.

Muchisimas gracias Bruno y te vamos a echar de menos!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, BRUNO!ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM WAVERLEY COLLEGE TO BRUNO CAZZULI

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS EDUCATING IN THE TRADITION OF BLESSED EDMUND RICE Waverley College has a long and rich history, having celebrated its centenary in 2003. The story of how the College came to be is often obscured in legend; in fact, the Christian Brothers were invited to Waverley from Ireland by the pioneer Franciscan Friars of the district.

It first opened its doors to 22 students in 1903 operating from a house in Salisbury Street, ‘Airmount’, until proper facilities could be constructed. A purpose-built school house was finished in 1903 and expanded with an additional two floors by 1919.

The school started accepting boarders in 1938 with students coming from all over Australia and Asia. Boarding was discontinued in 1979 to make room for more facilities, and the College now has around 1400 students in the Pre-School, Junior School and High School.Since 2007, the College has been led by Edmund Rice Education Australia, now a network of 48 schools across Australia.

26 LATAM March 2017

ADVOCACY as an educational proposal

BY JUAN PABLO EVINER

The English word Advocacy is frequently used among the members of the Latin American Network. This year, an Advocacy conference was held for the first time for members

of the North American Province. Juan Pablo Eviner, ERI Latin America team member, was present at the conference and tells the details of his stay in the north side of the continent.

ERI LATIN AMERICA

March 2017 LATAM 27

NORTH HOUSE, an Ontario

refugee center that welcomes

people who cross the Canadian

border in search of political asylum

for different reasons.

28 LATAM March 2017

ACCOMPANYING THE CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

On March 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th, I had

the opportunity to participate in the "Advocacy & Social Justice Workshop" organized by the North American Province of the Christian Brothers in Toronto, Canada, together with representatives from different schools from that province, including Bishop Hendricken, Brother Rice, Catholic Memorial, Iona Prep, Palma School and Iona College - university.

The conference, which was held for the first time in the province, focused on the analysis of advocacy and social justice, centering on the proposal of our Congregation for the realization of a work for 'the voiceless' and the implementation of this proposal in our educational institutions.

Thus, during the four days of the meeting, the representatives of the different schools were immersed in the debate on how to implement this proposal of the Christian Brothers in our institutions, highlighting the importance of adapting each program to our communities and advancing from a reflective and critical look which our society expects from Christian citizens of the world.

Among others, we had the opportunity to discuss our local proposals, attend presentations by specialists on issues such as 'Climate Change', 'Restorative Justice' and 'International Human Rights Mechanisms'. We confronted the reality when we visited different service programs in nearby cities and put together proposals for work to be carried out - individually and jointly - in our schools, deepening the work in the defense and promotion of human rights and eco-justice.

As for the immersion experience, I visited "The North House", an Ontario refugee center that welcomes people who cross the Canadian border in search of political asylum for different reasons.

I met families from around the world, many from Latin America, who are waiting for the Canadian government's response to their request for protection against the threats or attacks they suffered in their home countries. The most pleasant surprise that the house provided us was a quick introduction about the approach they use for different situations, having as main objective - besides the advice during their stay in Canada - that each family feels 'at home'.

On the other hand, after the meeting in Canada, I was invited to visit the Brothers' community in East Harlem – New York, the

brothers are setting up their house to welcome members of the Edmund Rice Network and provide a new space for immersions and deepening the work and spirituality of the Christian Brothers.

As part of the visit to North America, I also visited Iona Prep - a Brothers' High School in New Rochelle, where I was able to meet with students, teachers and school leaders involved in advocacy issues, being able to know in more detail another side of the education under the same charism.

During my stay in East Harlem I had an extensive meeting with Brother Kevin Cawley - Edmund Rice International's representative to the UN in New York - who gave me a detailed explanation about his job at the United Nations, being a specialist in issues of ecology and climate change.

Finally, my trip to Canada and the United States ended with a day of work at Iona College, a university founded by the Congregation, where I participated in various meetings with teachers, students and alumni of the university where good work was done on diversity and human rights in education. I was also invited to attend a women's rights event, which featured Joshunda Sanders, a Bronx-born writer and journalist and a women's rights activist in the United States.

The trip was full of different moments in which I felt extremely enriched and inspired by the experience of the different people and

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The conference, which was held for the first time in the province, focused on the analysis of advocacy and social justice, centering on the proposal of our Congregation for the realization of a work for 'the voiceless' and the implementation of this proposal in our educational institutions.

programs I had the chance to visit. It was very revealing for me to meet so many people working on a global educational project that focuses on the reflection on human rights and sustainability, a critical view on situations of vulnerability and their causes, the encounter with the other and the awareness about the marginalized and 'those made poor'.

Many of us had the freedom to express our difficulties, our weaknesses and our virtues when it came to advocacy, as educators, in our workplaces and in our communities.

I hope that more members of the Edmund Rice Network will have the opportunity to participate in this type of experience and to be able to work freely in this challenging and transformative proposal to which Edmundian education invites us, ensuring respect for the diverse, the encounter between peoples, holding our beliefs firmly and dialoguing with the freedom to express ourselves as citizens of this world.

Latin American Region©2017 Congregación de Hermanos Cristianos. Región Latinoamérica – Revista LATAM.