I recently watched a documentary on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). One of the places featured was a home for street children where I worked many years ago. One of the staff members commented that though the children often get into trouble when they're living on the street, in the homes they listen and are generally respectful. They know that they are in a good and safe place, and they respond in kind.
This brought me back to a conversation that I had with the founder of the home more than 20 years ago. I was an enthusiastic aid worker, having just arrived in this beautiful and troubled land. I remember saying to Fr. Frank, "If we can help even one of these kids to escape life on the street, to have a good job and raise a family, we will be successful."
He looked at me with a wise smile and said, "No Gerry, it's much simpler than that. These children come from misery. When they are with us they are safe, they have food to eat, a bed to sleep in, clean clothes, they can go to school. No matter what happens to them, this will always be a happy memory. That is success."
In essence, Fr. Frank and his staff had established the philosophy of their work from the very beginning. I will admit that it has a strong influence on my teaching even to this day. It is also quite clear that it continues to have an influence in the homes. It is embraced by every staff member and by every child, and it is lived out at every moment.
Stephen Covey discusses the importance of having a mission statement in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We are told to "begin with the end in mind." In other words, as a person or as a corporation, what are you striving for? How do you define success? Those who have this are able to sail through the difficult times and come out on top. Despite the fact that the DRC has been in a state of virtual chaos in recent years, the work of this institution with street children continues to expand. The vision is clear, the course is set and thousands experience happy childhood memories.
In my experience as a public school teacher I have not come across a universal statement which establishes the goal of the education system. Everyone says that they want the best schools possible, and that is good; but there is a lack of a shared vision between government, teachers' union, administrators and those working directly with the children. The result is frequent labour strife which limits the effectiveness of an otherwise excellent public school system. In my opinion, this is where change needs to begin.
A clear vision will steer us through any storm and bring us to our destination, both as individuals and as institutions. Even 30 years, two dictatorships, a devastating war and constant economic crisis have not been able to deter Fr. Frank's vision for each child whom his institution serves.
