FIS Academic Leaders Embark on a Learning Journey in Thailand
by: CYM correspondence
Thirty academic leaders from Don Bosco schools under the Philippines South Province (FIS) recently completed a week-long leadership formation and benchmarking journey in Thailand, deepening their commitment to educational excellence grounded in the Salesian spirit.
The FIS Academic Leaders’ Learning Journey, held from July 19 to 25, brought together School Rectors, Principals, Assistant Principals, and lay mission partners from eight Salesian educational institutions across Visayas and Mindanao. The initiative aimed to enhance leadership competencies, strengthen institutional collaboration, and integrate innovative educational practices while upholding the core values of Don Bosco’s preventive system.
Organized by the Commission on Youth Ministry headed by Fr. Rooney John G. Undar, SDB, the journey was co-sponsored by Don Bosco Mission in Bonn, Germany.
The group visited four Salesian schools – Hua Hin Vitthayalai School, Sarasit Phithayalai School, Narivooth School, and St. Dominic School; engaging in classroom observations, school tours, leadership dialogues, and cultural immersion. Through these encounters, partnerships were formalized through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for future collaborations among the Thai Salesian institutions and the eight FIS educational centers.
“This Academic Learning Journey reminded me of the great responsibility that comes with being an educator,” shared Ms. Hanna Niña Bentain of Don Bosco Formation Center. “I am challenged to grow not just in knowledge, but in how I form, inspire, and accompany my students. One major takeaway is the strong presence of values—particularly respect, discipline, and hard work—lived out with such joy and sincerity by both staff and students.
Mrs. Marichu Librea of Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu echoed her experience: “My heart is in awe and is full of gratefulness and WOW moments. I witnessed strong Salesian identity and spiritual grounding, inspiring servant leadership, and a deep sense of cultural pride and discipline.”
Beyond academic insights, the learning journey included visits to historical and cultural sites such as Ayutthaya and the Grand Palace, enriching the participants’ appreciation of Thai heritage.
Upon return, participants are set to develop contextualized school-based action plans and implement at least one new instructional or leadership practice within six months –marking a concrete step forward in transforming their respective institutions.
