The visit of Brother Armin Luistro, Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, to Benin from 6 to 12 May 2025, was welcomed with joy as well as with many expressions of fraternity and enthusiasm.
“From Cotonou to Bohicon and from Bohicon to Akassato”, this was the itinerary of the visit of Brother Superior General in this part of the Lasallian District of West Africa (DILAO), as expressed by Brother Diretenadji Anatole, General Councillor of the Institute, who accompanied him in the various meetings and spaces for sharing.
Three educational communities took part in this third visit of Brother Armin to Africa since the beginning of the year 2025. Through the words and reflections of some of the students, teachers and parents who shared these days with Brother Superior General, it is possible to understand the impact of the Lasallian mission in the community.
Citizenship education
At Collège Monseigneur Steinmetz, the students’ representative highlighted the quality of Lasallian education: “thanks to this educational excellence, the dynamic teaching team offers us opportunities to deepen our knowledge, to develop our critical thinking and to become integrated citizens, capable of overcoming all obstacles. We hope that your visit to Benin, and in particular to Bohicon, will be enriching and a source of discovery”.
Likewise, in his welcome speech, the staff representative emphasised that “all the teachers feel deeply honoured by Brother Armin’s visit and reaffirm their commitment to do everything possible for the prosperity of the students entrusted to them, offering them a quality education and solid teaching”. He also invited the Superior General to include all members of the educational community in his daily prayers.
Creating fraternal bonds
On the other hand, at l’École Internationale Catholique La Salle de Bohicon, the student who addressed the greetings to Brother Superior General on behalf of his schoolmates, said that “the students benefit from a quality education, based on a demanding pedagogical framework, in a healthy, pleasant and welcoming environment”.
Similarly, he pointed out that “the extra-curricular activities organised by the school are real platforms for the expression of their cultural and artistic talents. These activities promote learning to live together and the creation of fraternal bonds, regardless of family, ethnic or religious background”, so that “the students are convinced that Lasallian education has a promising future, because of its crucial importance for today’s youth”.
Makers of hope
Finally, in Akassato, students, teachers and parents expressed their deep gratitude to the Institute for the enormous work the Brothers deliver in Lasallian education, which benefits both their society and the world at large.
On behalf of the students of the La Salle Catholic School Complex in Akassato, the student delegate expressed his gratitude to Br. Armin: “You are the one who promotes Lasallian spirituality in our schools, supports quality education and strengthens our educational community. You inspire and motivate us, and your visits show your support for the marginalised. The education we receive here is an act of hope for the future. We, the students, are truly the builders of that hope. Today we sow with joy and confidence, convinced that tomorrow we will reap precious fruits”.
In turn, one of the parents also assured that “because of the presence of the Brothers and the quality education that the Lasallian school offers to their children, all the parents are committed to collaborate with the Brothers and to accompany them in this work of salvation, as it was conceived from the beginning by Saint John Baptist de La Salle”.
Brother Superior General’s visit to Benin was an enriching experience, allowing him to come face to face with the realities of the Brothers’ mission. He congratulated and encouraged the teachers to show resilience, underlining that educational work requires sacrifice, time and selfless commitment.
In addition to the Brothers present on the spot, Brother Armin was accompanied at all times by Brother Rodrigue Taoppen, Visitor of DILAO, the Brother Auxiliary Visitor and the Brother Secretary of the District.
*Article drafted in collaboration with Br Diretenadji Anatole. Photos: Br Elisée Pokanam Lare.