The Ethiopian Catholic University of St. Thomas Aquinas (ECUSTA) proudly took its place on the global stage this week at the 14th International Association of Lasallian Universities (IALU) Meeting (XIV Encuentro).

For the first time in history, this prestigious gathering of global educational leaders convened on the African continent, underscoring the growing importance of the region in the future of higher education. Representing ECUSTA at this milestone event was University President Br. Kassu McFantaye.

A Shared Mission: "I Am Because We Are"

The conference brought together nearly 100 leaders from Lasallian universities worldwide under the powerful theme “Ubuntu – I am because we are.” This philosophy of interdependence and shared humanity resonated deeply with ECUSTA’s own mission to foster holistic development through community and service.

For Br. Kassu and the ECUSTA delegation, the gathering was not just a meeting, but a reaffirmation of the university's identity within a global network dedicated to transforming lives through value-based education.

A New Chapter for African Higher Education

One of the most significant outcomes of the XIV Encuentro was the structural evolution of the IALU network to better represent its global diversity. In a landmark decision, a dedicated Africa Region was established within the association.

ECUSTA is honored to be a founding member of this new region, alongside esteemed institutions such as Christ the Teacher College of Education (Kenya), EST La Salle (Cameroon), and Institut Supérieur Privé La Salle (Burkina Faso).

With the African continent projected to see university student numbers rise from 103 million to 240 million by 2040, this strategic move positions ECUSTA as a key player in shaping the future of education in Africa. The new region will be led by Br. Paulos, ensuring a strong, localized voice in global decision-making.

Strategic Dialogues and Future Alliances

During the five-day event, Br. Kassu engaged in high-level dialogues focused on "Identity, Mission, and Transformation." The sessions covered critical topics ranging from the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education to sustainable regional governance models.

The gathering also provided a platform to welcome the new IALU leadership, with David Livingston appointed as President and Josep M. Santos as Vice President. ECUSTA looks forward to working closely with the new board to implement the "Jesus Magister Project" and other international cooperation initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Returning from Nairobi, Br. Kassu expressed optimism about the path ahead. The spirit of fraternity and the tangible support of the international Lasallian family serve as a powerful catalyst for ECUSTA’s ongoing growth.

As we continue to build our campus and expand our academic offerings, ECUSTA remains steadfast in its commitment to the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community—empowered now, more than ever, by the spirit of Ubuntu.