Australian Filipino Augustinian Solidarity (AFAS)
AFAS is a partnership between the Augustinian community at Villanova College, Brisbane, Australia and the Augustinian communities at the Basilica del Sto Nino in Cebu and at the Colegio San Agustin, Bacolod, in the Philippines.
The formation of AFAS began in 1992 when three Villanova College teachers attended an Augustinian conference in Manila. On the way back to Australia they discussed what it means to stand in solidarity with Augustinian communities in the Philippines. From this discussion AFAS – Villanova College was formed.
Thanks to the vision and support of Fr Eusebio Berdon OSA, Provincial of the Augustinians in the Cebu Province in 1993, and Fr Peter Wieneke OSA, Rector of Villanova College at the time, the spirit of solidarity between the two Augustinian communities was firmly established.
AFAS aims to provide an opportunity for friendship and solidarity between the students and staff of Augustinian schools and colleges in the Philippines and in Australia. Villanova College students and staff come to learn and to appreciate the Filipino culture and gain insight into what it means to live in a developing country. There is a strong sense of solidarity as AFAS strives to work with Augustinian communities to support struggling, talented students to gain an education. The aims of AFAS are realised in the biannual friendship exchanges of Villanova College staff and students to the Philippines.
Click here to visit the organisation website.