Interview with Brother Nicolas Capelle, Secretary for the Lasallian Educational Mission, on the educational service of the poor: This interview is based on the 40 responses obtained from Districts concerning Proposition 12 from the 43rd General Chapter.
Q. Brother Nicolas, what are the major trends that emerged in the responses to the questionnaire?
 A. The major trend is that educational service of the poor is a priority concern both within the Institute and in Districts. There has been a strong showing in the following areas: the defense and the promotion of the rights of children, the formation of teachers and the adaptation of the educational services that we provide to the young and to adults, especially to those who are culturally challenged.
Q. Has this trend meant merely giving lip service?
A. Certainly not! This initiative is strongly supported by effective commitments on the part of Brothers and lay colleagues. I have verified that the great majority of Districts have taken the guidelines and the propositions of the 43rd General Chapter very seriously and responsibly. Over the course of the past 4 years this commitment has been seen in concrete initiatives, such as: setting up specific initiatives in Districts so that the educational service of the poor might be a visible Lasallian trait, new educational centers for the poor, new formation programs for young people, parents and volunteers, strengthening the Lasallian volunteer program, having verifiable assessment of our traditional works in order to promote within them an orientation towards the promotion of justice and the educational service of the poor.
Q. From the financial point of view, have there been repercussions leading the Institute towards serving the poor even more?
 A. Yes, in this regard there are some very positive results: a more systematic search for funding for serving the needs of the poor, increased financial investing and property improvement. I also want to point out the greater commitment on the part of Districts as regards a greater esteem for the teaching profession.
Q. What are your major concerns at the present time?
A. First, there is the issue of how to ensure the continuity of new works in service of the poor, both in terms of finances and personnel? Secondly, with whom can we team up (the state, diocese, companies, other Congregations) to ensure the best educational service for the poor now and in the future? I am also concerned about updating our pedagogical view to see to it that our educational system favors the development of a formation that is critical, solid, and responsible and that brings with it a true social change in favor of those who are excluded economically, culturally and spiritually.
Q. Would you like to add anything else?
A. It seems to me to be very important to establish clear criteria with regard to the way we cooperate with the state. The road of association with the laity is still to be refined and to carry with it common commitments that are more and more solidly in favor of the poor. It seems important to me to create and consolidate networks for communication and interdependence for the young and for volunteers and networks for interchange among educational innovations that are springing up throughout the Institute.
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