This Medal recognises some 50 years of service, starting with early days as a Christian Brother, during the 1970s, where he inspired and co-founded the Edmund Rice Camps. Impressively, he got these off the ground, all while teaching at Parade College in Bundoora and completing tertiary study in Science and Human Movement. Today, these camps continue to provide an opportunity for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to experience positive role modelling and a break from difficult lives.
From there, during the early 1980s, he was called to Africa. Little did he know it then, but this continent would become his home for the next 40 years. Beginning in Tonga, he was a pioneer for teaching and development for almost 10 years. While there, he represented Tonga in the South Pacific Games in cricket and was the national coach of the rowing team.
Then in 1995 he moved onto Tanzania, where he was pivotal in the development of the Edmund Rice Secondary School Sinon. As Principal, he built it from a basic secondary school of 350 students into a large co-educational secondary school of 1,200 students. During his 13 years there, he also survived two near death experiences, one involving anthrax, the other - a giraffe!
Frank was then asked to go to South Sudan and there he initiated various work in prisons and refugee camps. “I was there when the people voted for independence from Sudan, but all the hope and excitement of that time was quickly snuffed out by tribal fighting.” Frank reflects.
His most recent work, as the Director of Ruben Centre in Kenya, began in 2010. Again, starting as a small operation, Frank’s energy, and wholehearted approach, has seen its services expand and grow exponentially making it a beacon of hope in an otherwise impoverished community. Now providing education, health care and community development programs to tens of thousands of people annually.
“Much has changed there because of his energy, his creativity in responding to problems posed by the experience of the people, and his encouragement and trust of those he worked with.
Much has changed there because of his energy, his creativity in responding to problems posed by the experience of the people, and his encouragement and trust of those he worked with.Past Principal | Br Kearney
The maternity hospital, the radio station, the total rebuild of the school, the employment bureau, the youth initiatives, the Ruben orchestra, and many more.” Comments fellow Christian Brother and past principal, Br Kearney.
Throughout his time as an educator, leader and a Christian Brother, Frank’s real passion has been in humanising the brutal and often very discriminating education systems in these countries, that prided themselves on high standards at the expense of huge failure rates. Frank has always challenged these practices, and introduced practical electives, while inspiring volunteers from across the world to join him in breaking these cycles of poverty.
Congratulations Frank, from all of us here at Emmanuel College. Your work continues to be an inspiration for all of the Emmanuel College community.
