Tanzania, Tanzania!

School Anthem

First Aid Kits

The First Aid Project 'Huduma ya Kwanza' is going on very well in Kiabakari. Volunteers of our Foundation Kiabakari are doing exceptional job running courses for inhabitants of Kukirango ward and for teachers of primary and secondary schools in the area. Apart from teaching aids which Karolina and Agata prepared, now they finished preparing special first aid kits for each school - fourteen in total. every headmistress/headmaster will be presented with the kit for free at the end of the course for each school. Here are a few pictures of the prepared kits and its contents. Well done, Karolina and Agata!

Graduation

Just to let you know that I posted a new photo album on Facebook with pictures taken today at Chief Edward Wanzagi Girls' Secondary School on the occasion of the second graduation of the Form Four students. The link to the album is here. Enjoy!

Chief Ihunyo

Yesterday, apart from WAWATA feast celebration in my mission, I also went to Zanaki Parish, the mother parish of Kiabakari,  for the third and last time - substituting for the parish priest, who is away for holidays. Right after finishing the first Mass in Kiabakari, I drove to Magorombe (the place where Zanaki Parish mission is located) for the Holy Mass. And then, after that Mass, to the Chief Ihunyo Girls' Secondary School for my third Mass. It was my third time there at Chief Ihunyo and the thing that particularly pleased me while celebrating the Holy Mass for Catholic girls studying in this educational facility )who are not allowed to attend Masses in the parochial church due to various reasons which I won't dig in), built by our Member of Parliament, Hon. Nimrod Mkono, who shows in deeds and not only in words, how much he cares for the education of new generations, with emphasis on the education of girls, which is crucial taking under consideration the negative bias of many parents - preferring to focus on the education of boys rather than girls. This problem is particularly acute in our Region, and Zanaki area, including Kiabakari, is leading in sad statistics....

TYCS

Just came back from the celebration of opening of a new branch of TYCS (Tanzania Young Christian Students which is a branch of International Young Christian Students) in Kiabakari Secondary School in my parish.

TYCS is an evangelical group of Students who are in the Secondary Schools and Colleges. TYCS gives the Students courage to investigate their surroundings as Students in their Schools, Colleges and in the  community. Also TYCS stimulates the Students to rise up their talents by the use of Spiritual studies, seminars, contemplation of the Word of God and common activities. TYCS joins Students starting from the simple group found in the school, and later in the deaneries, Diocese and Nationwide. TYCS brings forward the Students in their main task of evangelization of the Word of God wherever they are as Students. Also it encourages young boys and girls to join in the Priestly, Religious  and active Laity Vocation  and prepare them to be good leaders in any sector in the Church as well as in the country.

We have four government secondary school in the parish. In Kiabakari township there are two - Kukirango Secondary School and Kiabakari Secondary School (which has been recently constructed by the citizens themselves with some help from other donors).

TYCS Kukirango is well established branch with several years of experience already. The new branch has been initiatied last year and today we had an official recognition function, with Holy Mass in the Shrine at 10.00am first with me presiding and preaching, and thereafter the official part of presentation of the certificate of recognition to the chairman of the new branch, some speeches, artistic program and lunch.

I must say I was very proud of my youth as they tried their best to prepare a beautiful event, well organized and memorable.

My hopes are that with all four secondary schools having their respective TYCS branches we will be able to set up a network of cooperation within the parish, helping young students in their studies and Christian witness in their school environment and then reaching out to other parishes and the diocese at large.

Today's event has been a great highlight of my ordination anniversary which I celebrate today. Here are some pictures of the function that followed the Holy Mass. The venue was our school which is under construction.

Shortly before cutting the ribbon at the function hall in the school under construction - as a sign of official opening of the TYCS branch in Kiabakari secondary school

The Chairman  of TYCS Diocese of Musoma signing a certificate of recognition of the new branch

Brother Erasmus Marando (Montfort Brothers and Headmaster of Mwembeni Secondary School in Musoma) - diocesan formator of TYCS speaks during the function with parochial formators of TYCS - Sr. Jennipher Mutale and Sr. Angela Mushitu to his right

Some of the youth participating in the event

This event boosted my hope in the youth in my parish. Thank you, o Lord, for this gift.