Abadoned children roamed the streets of Rheims, France. Education was costly, uncaring and schools were for the priviledged few. John Baptist De La Salle, fresh from university, gifted with youth, wealth and charm, distinguished birth - on course for a brilliant career saw those neglected children, his dreams of personal glory slowly faded.

His heart was touched. He reflected . . .

"These are my brothers! They need me!"

With complete trust in providence, he opened a little school, recruited helpers, shared his life with them. He inspired them a sense of identity, of mission. Working as a team they form community and called themselves BROTHERS!

In 1680, La Salle was established in the city of Rheims, the first free public schools.

(adopted from Lasallian Heritage – La Salle Centre, Ipoh, Perak)