From January 19 to 24, 2025, Sisters and Partners in Mission from the Bridget Schools of the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Philippines participated in the ‘Joy of Educational Leadership’ program in Thailand. This initiative, organized by the Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Educators Committee, brings together Sisters and Partners in Mission from Good Shepherd schools across the region. Sr. Anya Borbon, Mrs. Bernadette Manalo, and Dr. Amor Borbon represented St. Bridget College in Batangas and Alitagtag, while Sr. Angelita Clemen and Ms. Katrina Mananzan represented St. Bridget School in Quezon City. Sr Arabella Balingao who is a member of the AP Educators’ Committee was also with the group.
The program brought together 40 educational leaders from Good Shepherd schools and colleges across India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Its goal was to enhance transformative leadership and foster stronger networks among educators in the region. The shared vision for the event was: “One Education Community that embodies the Good Shepherd charism and identity, with Justice at the core of education.” The program aimed to create a supportive environment that encourages innovative leadership practices, all focused on advancing justice in education.
Key topics during the program included synodal leadership and personal development or inner growth. Ms. Paula Sgherza served as the facilitator, with Jamie Sgherza providing technical support. The presence of Sr. Joan Lopez and Sr. Josita Corera from the Congregational Leadership Team, as well as Sr. Alfonsa Sudaryanti (Indonesia), Sr. Susan Montano (Philippines-Japan), and Sr. Pushpa Louis (Central East India Nepal) from the Asia Pacific Circle, provided invaluable support to the program’s success.
This movement within the Asia Pacific region holds great potential to create ripples of positive change. By fostering both personal and collective transformation, it aims to catalyze a shift in the education system, nurturing leaders who will continue to promote justice and innovation in education.
