Fr Zago (1935-2017) spent 62 years of his almost 83 years of life as a missionary, serving the young people of India, Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and finally Pakistan, where he spent the last 18 years of his life. He founded the two works currently in the country (Quetta and Lahore) and contributed actively to the support of refugees and the poor and to the reconstruction of villages after the earthquake of 2005 and the floods of 2010.
With his initiative, together with that of his mission companions, Fr Zago profoundly influenced the lives of countless children in Pakistan. And today his legacy survives through these institutions, which continue to embody his dedication and love for education and the underprivileged.
Last December, the National Federation of Past Pupils had the opportunity to visit Quetta to establish the elections of the Local Unit and during this trip he also made a visit to Ziarat, a district of Quetta, to pay a visit to another school located there, also started in the early 2000s by Fr Zago.
"We were all deeply moved by the warm welcome and the obvious impact of Fr Zago's work" testified Mr. Asif Boota, National Vice-President of Past Pupils of Pakistan, "But the opening address given by the Principal of the school revealed an unexpected and heartbreaking situation: the school was risking closure due to insufficient funds."
The news was disappointing for all present, including Bro. Francis Nhat (SDB), Salesian Delegate for the Local Union of Past Pupils in Quetta. After the initial disappointment, Mr. Boota tried to explore the possibilities of intervention together with the Rector of the house in Lahore, Fr Noble Lal, the President of the Local Union of Past Pupils in Quetta, Mr. Awaish Yousaf, and the Rector of this work, Fr Samuel Ghouri.
So now, at the proposal of Fr Ghouri, the National Federation of Past Pupils of Pakistan is working to develop a solid operational plan that will allow it to take responsibility for the management of this school, and to explore ways to prevent the closure of this vital institution for young people in Ziarat and throughout Quetta.
“We are now formulating and discussing the plan with the Salesian community and we are all determined to honour Fr Zago by ensuring that this school remains operational and continues to provide quality education to the children of Ziarat. We recognise the profound importance of this center and we are committed to mobilizing resources to support it," Mr. Boota said
Currently the National Past Pupils of Don Bosco Federation in Pakistan plans to sign a detailed contract that provides for the management of the school in Ziarat for one year, based on compliance with certain parameters. Subsequently, the National Federation entrusted the management of that school to the Local Union of Past Pupils in Quetta, but continued to monitor all activities.
For this reason, concludes the National Vice-President of Past Pupils of Pakistan: "This agreement would not only honor the legacy of Fr Zago, but would also guarantee the continuity of education and service to the less privileged of Ziarat and Quetta. I am sure, sir, that together we will be able to support the mission of Don Bosco and the dear memory of Fr Peter Zago, ensuring that his vision of education and service to the underprivileged continues.”
