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Are we doing the right thing now? According to many, the answer is "No". Presently, alumni would, without hesitation respond to calls by their Alma Mater to donate towards structural repairs, repainting of the walls, rewiring or even for the building of a new extension block to cater to greater student intake. However, many are now questioning the wisdom of so doing because the nett result does not contribute to the objective of preserving the Heritage. What will happen when there are no more Brothers left in the country? Will the properties on which the schools are situated be sold? Or will the schools be donated to or acquired by the government? Or will they just become mere monuments of time? Since the schools are managed and the curriculum dictated by the Education Ministry, while the Brothers and Lasallian educationists have no say whatsoever, shouldn’t the education ministry bear the onus, after all they are using the premises for free? Although such questions plagued the alumni's minds. yet they continue to contribute, mainly for emotional reasons The rational option Attempts are being made to persuade the Brothersand alumni to seriously consider the proposal of starting a private Lasallian School as a mean to ‘perpetuate’ the Lasallian Legacy. Such a project is totally rational as it synergizes with the Brothers’ charism and the essential machineries (albeit overhaul needed) to kick-start such a project are mostly in place. Even though public education is now free, there is a great demand by parents for private schools where their children can receive a holistic education, far more than what public schools can offer. The demand is real as can be seen by the increasing number of private entrepreneurs jumping onto the band wagon. A private LaSalle School will be the perfect answer... a school providing a well-rounded education, made affordable to all where the fees from the 'rich' students can be utilized to subsidize those of lesser means. Time is running out considering the fact that the Brothers and the ‘heart-and-soul’ alumni are fast dwindling in numbers. When the right step is taken. full-hearted support will surely be there. With the tens of thousands of alumni, a contribution of even a few ringgit from each, will put the LaSalle School project in a very strong financial position. Let us come together to re-define education the Lasallian way for the sake of our children and their children’s children. Acknowledge with thanks: Mr. Francis Brown – Lasalle Brothers, Malaya & Singapore 1852-1952
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