Visit of the Brother Superior General to Rwanda, the country of a thousand hills

From 26 to 31 October 2025, Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, accompanied by Brothers Joël Palud and Anatole Diretenadji, General Councillors, made a memorable visit to Rwanda, a country that symbolises resilience and solidarity. The aim of this mission was to strengthen bonds with local Lasallian communities and explore opportunities for the development of education in the country.

Upon their arrival in Kigali, Brother Armin and the two Councillors accompanying him were warmly welcomed by the Brothers of the Kigali Community. Visits to various educational centres, such as De La Salle School in Kigali and De La Salle School in Kirenge, as well as the Intiganda Centre in Butare, highlighted the Lasallians’ commitment to educational and social values deeply rooted in Rwandan culture.

These fraternal encounters revealed the dynamism of Lasallian works, which combine education with support for the most vulnerable. Discussions with Brothers and Lasallian Partners revealed a Lasallian presence that is progressing well and ready to embrace a future vision of collaboration. The discussions highlighted essential themes such as shared governance, financial transparency and the importance of spiritual accompaniment. Brother Armin emphasised that these issues are not imposed guidelines, but rather invitations to collective discernment, expressing the need to strengthen the synergy between Lasallian schools in Rwanda.

One of the strengths highlighted by Brother Armin was the empowerment of women and education for peace, two values that emerge strongly from Rwandan cultural heritage. In his words, he encouraged Lasallian communities to continue sharing these unique experiences, making them examples for other regions of the Lasallian world.

The visit concluded with a message of hope: despite the challenges, Rwanda shows an impressive capacity to choose light and promote fraternity. Brother Armin encouraged the Brothers and Lasallians to renew their commitment to interiority, prayer and mutual exchange, in order to root the educational mission in a dynamic model of community life.

The exchanges that took place not only touched the hearts of the Lasallians, but also reinforced the idea that the Lasallian Mission continues to evolve, increasingly aligning itself with the contemporary realities of Rwanda.

This visit was much more than a simple testimony of closeness and communion; it was also an invitation to continue on the path of education and peace. As Brother Armin emphasised, “May fraternity deepen in your communities, may your works flourish with passion, and may your witness of peace radiate far beyond your borders.”

* Article written by Brother Anatole DIRETENADJI, General Councillor.