As 2025 draws to a close, the Lourdes Hill College Past Pupils’ Association expresses its gratitude for the opportunities we have experienced. In keeping with the spirit of service on which LHC is founded, we made our annual donation to the Good Samaritan Kinder School in Bacolod, Philippines.

For over 20 years, the Good Samaritan Kinder School has provided an affordable, high-quality Catholic early childhood education to children who might not otherwise have access to kindergarten, in the spirit of Jesus' mission and the Benedictine tradition.

This year, the PPA's strong financial position allowed us to make a more substantial donation than usual, contributing $5,000 to their annual appeal. Good Sam Education recognises that education offers children the best chance for independence and resilience, ultimately leading to intergenerational change. Our donation is deeply appreciated by the children, their families, and the wider Bacolod community, helping Filipino children “begin their education in a safe, nurturing environment—a place where they are encouraged to learn, grow, and dream.”

Shortly after our donation, Typhoon Tino devastated the region. In response, our committee decided to provide an additional $1,000 to support the kindergarten and its families. This extra support was used, among other things, to create food packages for each child, bringing joy to families who received a whole chicken and packets of rice.

We are proud of our ability to support the Good Samaritan Kinder School and look forward to continuing our partnership in 2026. Together, we can help extend the benefits of education beyond the gates of LHC.

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan from Japan had been ministering in Bacolod since 1990, with Australian Sisters joining them later, followed by Filipino Sisters who joined the Congregation.

In their pastoral work, the Sisters discerned a great need for a kinder school for the poor at City Heights, Bacolod.  (Extract for The Good Oil article).  The Sisters oversee the pre-school however they do not actually teach there anymore.  An added bonus at the Kinder is the employment of the staff and teachers.  It’s difficult to secure employment in the Philippines and even rarer to hold a position in an environment that draws on the compassion and kindness that sits at the heart of the Sisters’ charism.  Many Filipinos work long hours and there’s little if any regulation to protect their basic rights.