Three weeks in Australia have flown by, filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. From a powerful Welcome to Country ceremony in Coffs Harbour to speaking at St. Edmund’s School in Sydney and exploring youth advocacy in Melbourne, every stop has offered new insights and inspiration.

Meeting Uncle Mark, a Gumbaynggirr elder, opened my eyes to the rich history and resilience of Aboriginal people—stories I was never taught in school. Visiting schools, disability support services, and even feeding a kangaroo reminded me how much we can learn from others when we stay curious and open-hearted.

This journey has been about more than travel. It’s about returning home ready to spark change—with new ideas, deeper appreciation for language and culture, and a renewed belief that from little things, big things really do grow.

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Exciting changes are underway at Ruben Centre! At our recent meeting, we welcomed the Board of Trustees and made key announcements. Ruben Centre is now officially a Trust—Christian Brothers Ruben Centre Trust. Our Director, Br. Frank, will temporarily step away for fundraising efforts in Australia, with Elizabeth Mwangi from the Edmund Rice Foundation Kenya stepping in as Interim Director. Looking ahead, we’re embracing a new phase of growth, guided by the Theory of Change framework—Learn, Unlearn, Relearn—and preparing for the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. With our 25th anniversary on the horizon, we’re excited for the future and the impact we will continue to make in the community.

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G’day from the Land Down Under! My first week in Australia has been an incredible mix of learning and adventure. From engaging with students at Edmund Rice schools to navigating life without M-Pesa, every moment has been eye-opening.

I was warmly welcomed by the ERFA team and had the privilege of sharing Ruben Centre’s story with eager students. Beyond meetings, I’ve explored Brisbane’s skyline, embraced Aussie culture, and delved into the history of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Next stop: Sydney and Melbourne! Stay tuned for more insights from my Aussie journey.

For more stories, Check the link below

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On October 31st, Ruben Centre project leaders gathered for their monthly meeting—a gathering marked by reflection, updates, and a vision for the future. The session, led by the Centre’s director, Br. Frank O'Shea OAM, provided staff with insights into the Centre's culture, celebrated its legacy, and laid out exciting plans for the upcoming silver jubilee celebrations.

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On 26th September, Ruben Centre held its monthly staff meeting, led by Director Br. Frank O'Shea, focusing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu – "humanity towards others." Br. Frank emphasized that true leadership brings out the best in others and is rooted in justice, moral courage, and peace. He reminded the team that everyone leads at different times in life, and effective leadership inspires collective growth.

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On the 9th and 10th of September 2024, a group of nine Australian educators, led by Ann Rebgetz, ERFA board member and Principal of St James College, Brisbane, toured Ruben Centre in Mukuru kwa Ruben. She was joined by teachers from her institution, as well as St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, Nudgee College, and St. Pius IX. This visit provided a unique opportunity for the educators to learn about our organization’s history, transformative projects, and its profound impact on the local community.

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“I will be leaving Ruben Centre as of 1st July 2024 to return to Australia. I am not stepping down as Director; rather, I am trying out a new administration. I am still the Director, but we do not need me to be here on the ground for things to run,” said Br. Frank O’Shea OAM as 17 project leaders gathered for the June monthly Centre meeting.

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On May 16th, 2024, Ruben Centre convened its monthly center meeting under the leadership of Director Br. Frank O'Shea. The meeting brought together nineteen staff leaders representing various projects, including Health, Education, Advocacy and Networking, Social Economic Empowerment Through Education, and Organizational Capacity.

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As project leaders congregated for their monthly meeting on March 20th, 2024, the spirit of unity and collaboration permeated the air, guided by the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 1:10.

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On January 16, 2024, the project leaders met for their monthly meeting, the first of the year. Ruben Centre Director, Br. Frank O'Shea, began the meeting with prayer and reflection, encouraging leaders present to be an illumination of God’s light to the people of Mukuru.

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On the 23rd of August, the Ruben Centre's departmental heads assembled for their monthly meeting – the sixth of the year. This gathering presented an invaluable occasion for the organization to introspect upon its strategies for enhancing service delivery efficiency.

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On July 6th, Ruben Centre held its 5th monthly Centre meeting for 2023, led by Director Br. Frank O’Shea. The meeting brought together twenty project leaders representing different projects, including education, health, social-economic empowerment, advocacy and networking, and organizational capacity.

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If anyone randomly walked through Ruben Centre's gates on July 22, 2023, they would double-check their calendar to confirm whether it was the weekend due to the myriad activities and the great number of people involved.

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