In 2022, the Asia Pacific Circle of Unit Leaders endorsed the formation of the Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Educators Team which brings together educators and the teachers serving in the Congregation’s schools across the region. This initiative aims to build and strengthen compassionate connections and meaningful partnerships across all schools, and educational and social institutions run by Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd.
The Congregation’s mission in Asia Pacific engages with over 40,000 children in formal schools, reaching approximately 120,000 people daily, including parents and families. Additionally, over 12,000 children participate in social services – particularly projects related to the protection and education of children supported by the Good Shepherd International Foundation. These efforts ensure children are educated in a safe space and empowered to uphold their rights, responsibilities, dignity, and respect.
After two years of online meetings, the core Committee of the Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Educators Team representing the formal schools across six units in the region (Central East India/ Nepal, Philippines-Japan, Sri Lanka- Pakistan, Indonesia, South-west India, and Singapore-Malaysia) convened for the very first time in Sri Lanka from 7th to 9th April 2024 to consolidate shared experiences, reflect, and develop a plan to emphasize the importance of value-based education.
Through a holistic approach, value-based education aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically – and incorporate Good Shepherd values such as empathy, solidarity, and respect into their daily lives – but who also contribute positively to society by upholding the core principles of social justice.
Onalie De Silva, Regional Manager of GSIF Asia Pacific and member of the Core Committee, emphasized: “Every child – boys and girls, rich or poor, in education or social services – have an equal right to quality education. An education that enables them to reach their fullest potential, an education that helps them learn with an open heart and mind, an education that makes them empathetic and not mechanic, and an education that makes them happy and well-supported learners”
During three full-day sessions held at the Good Shepherd Convent in Nayakakanda, Wattala, the team engaged in deep, constructive conversations that encouraged mutual learning. Through the in-depth discussions the team recognized that regardless of the diversity of cultures and contexts of the different countries, the pursuit of a vibrant and spirited Good Shepherd Education is vital. With a strong foundation in a ‘Good Shepherd Education’ – students from these schools in Asia can embody Good Shepherd values and become active agents of change in their future careers and lives. Based on the Congregational Calls to Action, the team shared a common aspiration for the future: the creation of “One Education Community” that embodies the Good Shepherd charism and identity with justice at the core of education.
Sashi Natarajan, experienced teacher in a Good Shepherd High School in India and Chairperson of Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Educators Committee concluded: “We are united in the spirit of zeal, love, and cordiality to build an educational community rooted in the ethos of the Good Shepherd, where justice is the heart of our identity and mission.”
