In October of this year, two of our trustees Sarah Feather and Richard Luxmore, along with their partners, travelled to Kindwitwi. The aim was to review progress made since Geoff O’Donoghue and Jennifer Cosgrave visited at the same time in 2022. The trip to Tanzania, whilst always a privilege and exciting journey does require lots of planning, time away from work and responsibilities at home as well as personal expense.
Between 26 October and 1 November Sarah and Richard visited Kindwitwi. During this time, there was a special celebration in the village to mark 30 years since the death of Fr. Robin Lamburn. A mass was said in the newly renovated church, followed by a celebration that the whole village was able to participate in. This also coincided with the coming-of-age party for some of the girls in the village. There were speeches, dances from the local students and lots of special music.
During last year’s visit the Church was in a sorry state, but thanks to your generous donations the damaged walls have been properly plastered and the roof fixed. This means the bats have moved out, making the church useable once more.
Checking up on patients
Your support ensures that food, medicine and hygiene kits are provided to patients who still require full or partial care due to Leprosy. When word got around that Sarah and Richard had arrived, several of those patients were keen to meet with the Trustees and send their thanks to you for your kind donations and continued support. Here are some of those patients.
Education
Your donations support education from the three-year-old kindergarten children through to young adults in college education. The trustees were pleased to hear progress reports of various students, mainly from leprosy affected families, who have been supported over the past five years.
There are eight children from leprosy affected families being supported with their Primary School education. There are two children receiving secondary school support. One of whom has just finished Form 4 and results are awaited.
During the visit, Sarah and Richard met Rajabu who has completed his degree in Insurance and Risk Management. They also met Saidi, pictured here, who has recently started a rural planning course in Dodoma.
Have you met Tatu?
We would like to introduce you to Tatu, who does the book keeping in Kindwitwi and has worked with us for many years. As part of her development, Tatu can be seen here practicing her computer skills in the newly renovated office.
It’s amazing what you find on your travels
Would you believe that someone from the village came to see Sarah and Richard to show them a copy of Fr Lamburn’s old passports. These documents had turned up during a recent tidy up of the Guest House. They are such treasures and we are so pleased to have had the chance to see them.
