What is Lowana?

Lowana is a non-profit, volunteer based study centre committed to form girls and women of character, service and friendship.

The Study Centre provides programs and activities designed to foster the holistic development of the person, to help them reach their full potential in order to serve society. Activities are run by volunteers and include study programs, private tuition, leadership camps and workshops, holiday and social activities, and opportunities for local and international volunteer community service projects. At Lowana, everyone is given a mentor who helps her set and reach her personal goals.

Lowana is an Aboriginal word for ‘girl’. We recognise the important role of women to make a positive impact amongst their family, friends, local community and society as a whole. By encouraging women to seek personal and professional excellence in their studies and work, they can become agents of change.

Lowana is a project of Association for Educational Projects (AEPL), a non-profit company focused on promoting educational activities, character development and Christian ideals.

Lowana welcomes women of all ages, creeds, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and takes an authentic interest in helping them reach their full potential.

Lowana Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

Lowana exists to build character and foster professional excellence in women of all ages so they can be positive agents of change in society 

At Lowana, we are a group of volunteers who strive to achieve this mission by creating opportunities for personal growth through study programs, professional workshops, community service, spiritual formation, leadership camps, personalised mentoring and more. 

Vision

Better women, daughters, sisters, mums and friends, in the families of Western Sydney to the wider community
At Lowana, we believe that every woman is unique. Lowana helps each person achieve their full potential to serve society, inspiring them to live generously and with deeper meaning. Our focus is providing an environment where social awareness and personal character development can flourish. We work in partnership with families and other professionals who share this vision. 

Values

We lead
At Lowana, we build leaders through developing strong individual character development and professional excellence. Inspirational volunteers (teachers, university students, young professionals and parents) equip girls and women of all ages to navigate a world saturated with opportunities, information and varied pressures. Our initiatives enable them to reach their goals, building virtue and interior life. 

We inspire

At Lowana, we support women of all ages to be a force for positive change, as leaders in their own right regardless of their age, personality or occupation. We see the unique “genius” of women that empowers them to have a long term impact in their workplace, among family, friends and the broader community.

We serve
At Lowana, we have a strong focus on community service and selfless giving. We provide numerous community service opportunities throughout the year to help girls and women discover leadership at the service of others. These opportunities also forge authentic and lifelong friendships amongst the women who participate, further building a community of meaningful connection.   

History

32 years in the making

Established in Western Sydney in 1997, Lowana was an initiative started by local parents who wanted a place where the overall character of their daughters was developed in an environment conducive to their personal, professional and spiritual growth.

Volunteers and parents passionate about promoting good values for women began running activities in their own homes throughout various areas of Western Sydney. As the club expanded in numbers, the idea of establishing a centre dedicated to the vision of women’s character development would become a reality.

Lowana Study Centre started in a rented premise in South Penrith in September 2008. Since 2012, Lowana has its permanent premise at 11 Higgins Street, Penrith.

All activities are run by volunteers including high school students, university students, young professionals and parents.

Timeline

1992 – The beginnings of Lowana. Parents in the Penrith area start hosting small but well attended activities for girls and women in their homes and in community centres, including crafting, cooking, community service, talks on character development and after school study sessions

2005 – 2009 – Girls club needs a home, as activities are now frequent and very popular. Several attempts made to buy a house but no suitable location found

2010 – House rented in Stoke St, South Penrith and the name “Lowana”, meaning “young girl” was chosen for the centre

Oct 2010 – Lowana has a home! With the help of Association for Education Projects LTD (AEPL), parents successfully purchase 11 Higgins St at auction in Penrith and begin paying off the loan

2011 – 2012 – DA approved for Change of Use and works commence on minor alterations to make the house more suitable for activities. A small library/study, chapel and common computer area installed and by 2012 the new Lowana Study Centre is ready

2013 – We have already outgrown the little red brick house at 11 Higgins, with so many girls and women attending our activities. Many activities move to local community centres and another property close to 11 Higgins is rented.

2018 – Breakthrough! After many attempts over the previous 5 years to find an opportunity to expand the premises, Lowana makes an offer on the house next door and on 24th May, a contract is signed for the sale of the property. We then rallied together to try to raise $350 000 for a bigger centre, at our Great Gatsby Gala Dinner.

April 2021 – We finally moved into 13 Higgins, with the help of your generous donations.

Spiritual Formation

Opus Dei

The spiritual formation offered at Lowana is entrusted to Opus Dei, a personal Prelature of the Catholic Church, which helps people find holiness in everyday life.

Opus Dei is a Catholic institution founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva. It’s mission is to help people turn their work and daily activities into occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others and for improving society. It promotes an awareness of the universal call to holiness, the radical idea that every person is called by God to be a saint.

Opus Dei complements the work of the local churches by offering classes, talks, retreats and pastoral care that help people develop their personal spiritual life and apostolate. For more information on Opus Dei visit www.opusdei.org.au

AEPL Policies

AEPL Child Safe Policy

AEPL Child Safe Code Of Conduct

AEPL Child Safe Complaints Handling

AEPL Child Safe Recruitment Procedure

APEL Child Safe Risk Management Procedure