From 12 to 18 July 2026, Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General, accompanied by Brothers Carlos Gómez, Anatole Diretenadji and Chris Patiño, members of the General Council, paid a fraternal visit to the Lasallian educational community in Rumbek, South Sudan. Far more than an institutional visit, this trip was an authentic immersion at the heart of a mission where education is, every day, a source of hope, peace and social transformation.
For almost a week, the visitors shared in the daily lives of the Brothers, students and teachers, discovering a community deeply committed to serving young people. The numerous meetings with educational partners, civil and ecclesiastical authorities, traditional leaders and mission staff provided a concrete insight into the impact of the Lasallian presence in a region that continues to face significant challenges.
The rich and varied programme included, in particular, exchanges with the community of Brothers, a large school assembly, liturgical celebrations, a tree-planting ceremony, visits to the various works, and several opportunities for dialogue with local partners.
School is much more than a place of learning
Each encounter confirmed the same reality: in Rumbek, the school is much more than a place of learning. It is a space where young people regain confidence in the future, develop their talents and learn to become men capable of contributing to the building of a fairer, more fraternal and more peaceful society. Inspired by the charism of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and open to all, the school offers a holistic education that places the human person at the centre of its mission.
The visit also provided an opportunity to appreciate the richness of the Brothers’ community life. Coming from different Regions of the Institute, they bear witness every day to the fruitfulness of an international fraternity lived out in service to those on the margins. Their collaboration with lay partners, the Sisters of Loreto, the Diocese of Rumbek and the many people committed to the mission concretely illustrates the spirit of association and synodality to which the Institute is called today.
Education as a catalyst for human and social transformation
Eight years after its foundation, the La Salle School in Rumbek continues to show remarkable growth. Despite a sometimes-challenging context, it has become an institution recognised for the quality of its teaching, its openness to all and its commitment to the most vulnerable young people. This development is the result of the Brothers’ fidelity to their mission, but also of the generous commitment of the teachers, local staff and Lasallian partners – regional and international – who share the same vision of education as a lever for human and social transformation.
Beyond the achievements already made, this visit served as an encouragement to continue on this path with confidence. The discussions helped to identify several priorities for the future: nurturing fraternal life and the well-being of the communities, promoting a culture of vocations, strengthening staff training, and further deepening collaboration with the local Church to ensure the sustainability of the Lasallian Mission in South Sudan.
The students contributed greatly to the success of this visit. Through their traditional dances, songs, cultural performances and a magnificent exhibition of paintings, they shared with the visitors the richness of their cultural heritage, their creativity and their zest for life. These artistic expressions offered a vibrant testimony to the energy, talents and hope that inspire the young people of Rumbek.
A united educational community
As they prepared to leave the country, the members of the General Council expressed their deep gratitude to Brothers Brinesh, Emmanuel, Jhonmar and Felipe for their fraternal welcome, their willingness to help and their generous commitment to the service of this mission. Their witness reminds us that, even in the most fragile contexts, a united educational community, guided by the Gospel and inspired by the Lasallian charism, can become a true catalyst for peace and development.
The Lasallian Mission in Rumbek thus continues to write a story of hope. Every classroom, every encounter, every gesture of fraternity bears witness to the fact that a quality education can transform lives and prepare a new generation of young people called to build a fairer, more united and more peaceful future for South Sudan.
* Article written by Brother Anatole Diretenadji, General Councillor.