The new building of St Luke’s College (SLC) in Myitkyina, Myanmar hosted the first graduation ceremony for its catechists, marking a significant milestone for education in the region. It was a celebration of not only academic achievements but also of culture, resilience, and hope. The event showcased the diversity and pride of the local community with their colourful traditional attire and mesmerising performances.
The 55 graduates donned classical gowns to signify their hard work and dedication throughout the years. It was a remarkable sight that delighted the Catholics in attendance. The joint diploma of East Asian Pastoral Institute and SLC was granted by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo and other distinguished members of the clergy.
The graduation ceremony was a source of hope for the youth amidst the socio-economic challenges in the region. It was touching to see the glimmer of pride and hope in the parents’ eyes. For many of them, this graduation represented a dream fulfilled, a testament to their sacrifices and unwavering support. Their emotions spoke volumes, echoing the collective joy of the community. The graduates have returned to their remote areas in three dioceses to begin their socio-pastoral accompaniment mission.
The new infrastructure stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Myanmar Jesuit Region and the local Catholic church. For years, the Catholic community witnessed other denominations providing wider educational opportunities for their youth while their own lacked corresponding resources. The construction of the new building represented a significant milestone for the Catholic community and others to be able to have a platform for holistic education and growth.
The new building now serves as more than just a catechetical school; it also houses a language school, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of the community. This expansion has further enriched the educational offerings of St Luke’s College, making it a hub for academic and linguistic opportunities.
With the guidance of the director of the school, two Jesuits, Fr Gerald and Brother Tino played a pivotal role in spearheading the marketing and establishment of the language school, working tirelessly to secure educational resources, recruit qualified staff, and promote the institution despite their other commitments. Their dedication and perseverance have been instrumental in the success of this endeavour. The school never expected to have so many students in that short time. All credit goes to the hard work of all, especially Gerald, Tino, and the staff.
The response from the parents and the community has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, reflecting the pent-up demand for quality education and language learning opportunities amidst the challenges. Currently, the new building hosts 117 catechetical students, 50 regular English students, and 110 summer language class students, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere reminiscent of a mini-university. This gives greater hope of reaching at least 500 students in the coming years.
The language school’s offerings in Chinese, Korean, and English have attracted students from diverse backgrounds, further enhancing the multicultural fabric of St Luke’s College. The hope is that this diverse student body will continue to grow in the coming days, fostering greater understanding and collaboration among different communities. [Myanmar Jesuit Region]