A Brother’s legacy lives on

EVERY wish of the late Datuk Brother Charles Levin has been fulfilled, largely due to the old boys of St Xavier’s Institution in Penang.

They have donated RM160,000, including RM103,000 in cash and RM97,000 in pledges, said Neoh Dian Bin, one of the campaign organisers.

The last two of Brother Charles’ wishes were completed on Friday.

It had been his dying wish that a television set be placed in the school library to play videos of great musicians.

“A 50-inch LED television set, donated by old Xaverians, now hangs near the baby grand piano in the school library.

“While talented students play the piano at recess time, the TV will show classical music performances,” Neoh said.

Another wish was that Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng would plant a Mussaenda tree on the school grounds.

This wish was duly fulfilled by Lim when he planted the tree near the school’s flag pole.

After the planting, Lim announced that the state government would donate RM10,000 to the school.

Neoh then announced that in keeping to Brother Charles’ vision of preserving the culture and heritage of SXI, the school had put a plaque on its main gate.

“It describes SXI’s history from 1787 when French priest Arnold Garnault initiated the St Francis Xavier’s Free School.

“We have also built a memorial wall to showcase the achievements of the La Sallian Brothers.

“We have also created the Jerome King Garden on the grounds to remember Brother Jerome who changed the school’s medium of instruction in 1852 to English.”

Brother Charles passed away in Oct 14 while organising SXI’s 160th anniversary celebrations.

He was the longest serving Brother Director and principal of SXI.

Lim was later led on a tour of the school by Brother Director Anthony Rogers to view all the new additions created in honour of Brother Charles.

This included an upgraded school canteen which was refurbished at a cost of RM90,000, sponsored by the state government.

Brother Anthony said that since 2009, the state had contributed more than RM500,000 to SXI for various infrastructure and refurbishment projects.

“We are thankful to the state for their empathetic support. We will always work closely with all governments to ensure the highest standard of education,” he said.