Faith in Action: Yaba’s Story of Growth and Purpose

Yaba Farajala Taban Tito, a recent graduate from the Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS), is clear about one thing: leadership is learned by doing—and by trusting God. The second-last born in a family of eight, Yaba describes LASS as the place where he found both purpose and perspective.

“I’ve grown spiritually, academically, and as a leader. It’s not just about books here—it’s about life.”

While at LASS, Yaba has served as the Minister for Sports, Games, and Entertainment, a role that stretched his confidence and sharpened his voice. From organizing events to solving peer conflicts, he embraced the weight of leadership with calm and conviction.

His growth didn’t stop there. Yaba started a small barber shop business at LASS using his pocket money—paying for school supplies and even employing another student to help run it.

“That taught me how to manage money, lead people, and make real decisions. I’m proud of that.”

But it’s not just business that drives him. Yaba I s passionate about preaching, discipleship, and speaking publicly. He has consistently led devotions, preached in family groups, and taken on pastoral roles in student gatherings. “LASS helped me build my walk with God,” he says, reflecting on how the spiritual depth of the school has shaped his character.

Looking ahead, Yaba dreams of becoming a lawyer—fighting for equal rights and advocating for South Sudan’s youth. “If law doesn’t work, I’ll pursue accounting,” he says. “Either way, I want to be excellent.”

One of the things that stands out most to Yaba is LASS’s culture of unity and respect:

“Here, your tribe doesn’t matter. How you look doesn’t matter. Everyone belongs.”

For Yaba, that sense of belonging—and the skills he’s built—are tools he’s carrying forward as he prepares to leave LASS. But his heart remains rooted in the values the academy instilled in him: servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and faith.