In a show of Lasallian solidarity and support during Lent, many schools in the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) organize fundraising campaigns for their twin schools in Africa’s Lwanga District.
The Twinning Program is an initiative of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. It partners Districts capable of providing funds with Districts in need as they work toward becoming self-sufficient. This program has existed in our Region for nearly 20 years and pairs schools in the U.S. Districts with schools in Africa’s Lwanga District, which includes 13 ministries in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.
One purpose of this effort is to help Lwanga schools provide education to students in need. The cost of education in Africa presents a major challenge for most students who are financially poor and even without families in some cases. Therefore, the schools subsidize much of the cost.
Twinning is not simply about providing funds to Lasallians in Africa. It’s also about creating partnerships that bring together Lasallian students on two continents, in solidarity as brothers and sisters, to share challenges, accomplishments, stories, and experiences.
As many schools highlight, that strong relationship is a key element of a successful twinning partnership. As we approach Lent, new resources are available to help RELAN schools learn more about their twin schools and how they can connect. New this year, we are offering a twinning prayer and asking all twinned schools in RELAN and the Lwanga District to use this prayer on Ash Wednesday to join together in solidarity. Lasallians not affiliated with a twin school are welcome to show support and join in this special prayer effort.
Please direct any questions on twinning to Elizabeth Jodice, Twinning Coordinator, at ejodice@cbconf.org or 202-529-0047.