Announcements, General Chapter 29, Rector Major, Salesian World News

First Salesian Brother Appointed Rector on the African Continent

(ANS – Rome) – During the proceedings of the latest Plenary Session of the General Council, the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, appointed Br. David Metoule, SDB, as Rector of the Salesian house in Damala, Bangui, in the Central African Republic. The appointment, which follows the deliberations of the 29th General Chapter (GC29), makes Br. Metoule was the first Salesian Brother to be appointed rector of a community on the African continent.

Brother David Metoule: A Salesian Journey in Service to Young People in Tropical and Equatorial Africa

Born on December 29, 1979, in Oyem, Gabon, David Metoule is a prominent figure in the Salesian Congregation in Tropical and Equatorial Africa. A Gabonese national, he represents a unique and inspiring journey marked by a deep commitment to vocational training, education, and the support of young people.

A Rich and Diverse Academic Background

Brother David has developed a strong academic foundation, combining technical, philosophical, and pedagogical training:

  • Certificate of Primary Education (CEPE)
  • Certificate of Professional Competence (CAP) in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking
  • Baccalaureate (Series A) – Literary track
  • Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Humanities (Lomé, Togo)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Educational Sciences, specializing in Pedagogy (UPS, Rome)
  • Master’s degree in Pedagogy and School Management (UPS, Rome)

This formation reflects a balanced progression between practical skills, philosophical reflection, and educational expertise.

A Faithful and Enduring Salesian Commitment

He made his perpetual vows on July 28, 2007, committing himself definitively to Salesian life. As a Brother, he has distinguished himself through leadership and administrative abilities in the service of Don Bosco’s educational works.

Educational Responsibilities in Several Countries

Throughout his missionary service, Brother David has held a number of significant roles:

  • Director of the Vocational Training Center and head of the Youth Center and Oratory in Oyem (2 years)
  • Director of the Vocational Training Center in Pointe-Noire (2 years)
  • Principal of the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Ebolowa (6 years)
  • Provincial Councilor and coordinator of the province’s schools (6 years)
  • Director of the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center in Damala (5 years)

A Historic Appointment in Africa

Brother David Metoule is recognized as the first Salesian Brother to be appointed rector of a Salesian community in Africa—a significant milestone in the growing recognition of Brothers in leadership roles.

He has now been appointed rector of the Salesian community in Damala, Central African Republic, where he will begin his mission in September 2026, dedicated to the formation of young people and the leadership of the educational community.

A Living Witness to Don Bosco’s Charism

Through his life and vocation, Brother David fully embodies the Salesian spirit: closeness to young people, a concrete commitment to education, and a deep sense of service. His journey demonstrates that the Salesian mission is lived out through diverse vocations, united by a shared love for young people.

Even today, in Damala, he continues to educate, accompany, and offer hope to many young people, in fidelity to the charism of Don Bosco.