Xavier Learning Community (XLC) in Thailand was awarded the St Peter Canisius Medal during the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) conference held at Boston College in August. Fr Vinai Boonlue SJ, Director of XLC, received the medal from Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

The St Peter Canisius Medal is awarded to an individual, an institution, or a group of individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to Jesuit higher education, particularly in promoting a faith that does justice, expanding the reach of Jesuit education, and contributing to the recognition of the work of the Society of Jesus in higher education and the intellectual apostolate.

XLC was formally established in 2017 after a long discernment process involving Jesuits and lay partners to respond to the needs of marginalised communities, notably in northern Thailand. XLC aims to provide disadvantaged and indigenous students with the integral formation and liberal arts education leading to a bachelor’s degree. Approximately 100 students from diverse ethnic backgrounds live and study in the school compound, accompanied by seven Jesuits, three sisters, and 20 teaching and non-teaching staff members. XLC is supported by numerous Jesuit alumni, benefactors, the local Church, and various Jesuit higher education institutions.