Role : To support and encourage the work of local superiors in the implementation of the decisions of the General Chapter of 2000 in the relevant areas (see cir. 448)
of our educational and pastoral work, by the creation of a data basecovering some aspects of this situation while taking account of the planned annual campaigns (see circ.448 p.29)
2. STIMULATING EDUCATIONAL and PASTORAL THINKING,
by organising educational forums (circ. 447, prop. 7)
The aim is to study thoroughly various current educational and pastoral questions, taking local situations as the point of departure, and involving as many Brothers, Partners and Associates as possible.
These forums will also study the work of the international COLLOQUIA organised by the Institute on the following topics: Families (1994), Globalisation (1995), Urban Sprawl (1996), New Technologies (1997), Communication of the Faith in a Pluralistic World (1998).
Institute Bulletin N° 245 describes these colloquia and draws conclusions. These conclusions
indicate the 6 mega-trends which constitute the background of all teaching today.
The methodology of the FORUMS is explained later.
3. SUPPORTING A COMMITMENT TO THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
The aim of this campaign is not only to draw attention to this or that right that has been flouted (each country has to do this in its own situation), but also, from the Christian educational viewpoint, to stress two important points:
1. Children and young people should be allowed to take in hand their own development and to have a say in society
2. FAMILIES which are the seed-bed and the essential proponents of the RIGHTS of the Child need to be supported.
4. WORKING with international organisations
The Institute is a member of: the International Catholic Bureau for Children (BICE) the International Catholic Committee at UNESCO (CCIC) the international Organisation for Catholic Education (OIEC)
The Institute is represented on the CCIC Board of Administration, and has the vice-presidency of BICE.
These 5 areas of activity will enable the Secretariat and the Standing Committee for the Lasallian Educational Mission to prepare the EDUCATIONAL MISSION INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY due to be held in April 2006
pedagogical