In January 2008 St Maximilian Education Centre in Dar es Salaam - Tanzania started its activity. The Project presume to build and run Primary and Secondary School which is run by the missionaries of The Conventual Franciscan Friars (OFMConv) from the Province of Mary Immaculate in Warsaw-Poland. They have been in Tanzania since 1988. With the cooperation of one local family who offered the plot they want to build the Centre.
The motto of the Centre is "Education that adds value!" in main purpose of the whole project is to lift up the living standards of the people as well as the whole country through the achievement of good education especially children who have great intellectual possibility. However, because of lack of material help of the families parents can not send their children to other good paid schools where they may receive good educations.
However that realization can be achieved in future. The priority is to build first two school blocks than to provide the equipment for the whole school like: books, furniture for the classes, computer lab, as well as to buy minibuses to bring pupils to the school.
The realization of the project to build the Centre started in January 2008 when the standard one children opened. Because of luck of accommodation 40 children are learning in one class rented from the Nursery School of the Franciscan parish at Segerea in Dar es Salaam.
The Franciscan Order is the owner of the school but to collaborate in running it were invited The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family. The sisters who are already teaching the children will be involved in administration. At present there are three sisters working in school: one from Zambia, one from Kenya and one from Poland.
Some of the children, because of distance are brought every day to school by an old bus which was bought, so that together they may start learning at 8AM. After they finish their lessons at 3PM those who are near go back home on foot, but those who are far are taken by bus. There is need to buy another bus to provide transport especially for the youngest children at school. Most of the subjects are taught in English language though there is Kiswahili language. The school stresses the teaching of religion as well. Every month pupils are given tests to check and monitor the progress of each child in their learning. Every day children receive two meals: first at 10AM - tea with rolls or biscuit and second at 1PM - the lunch.
In few weeks time the construction of one block for the school will start on the offered ground which is situated about 1.5 km from the parish church at Segerea in Dar es Salaam. There is urgent need to finish fast the building because next year 2009 another class for standard one will be needed. To realise the main aim of the Centre is to help financially those children who are not able to pay for themselves.
Therefore, the Conventual Franciscan Friars appeals and requests the people of good will and the mission friends to assist financially to construct the school.
The total cost to build one block of the school is 153 180 Euro, but the cost of one class in 8062 Euro.
All the donations can be deposited on the fallowing dollar account:
Bank name:
National Bank of Commerce Ltd. Arusha - Arusha Branch
Bank address:
P.O. Box 3004, Arusha, Tanzania
Account name:
Conventual Franciscan Friars (OFM Conv)
Account number:
014105004246
Swift code:
NLCBTZTX
With indication:
Donation for St. Maximilian Education Center
We thank God for those who are supporting us with their prayers and material help. We assure you of our intersession that Good God will reward your acts of good will here on this earth with graces, joy and peace and eternal life in His Kingdom.
With gratitude The Franciscan Friars from Tanzania
March 2008
Contact friar:
Fr. Krzysztof Cieslikiewicz OFM Conv
Provincial Delegate for Tanzania
Email: krzcie@yahoo.com
Father of all, you sent your Son to carry out your mission of redeeming the world. Let the light of your Gospel of love so shine in the world that it may be transformed into a worthy home for all your children of every race and country. Bless all missionaries throughout the world that their work may bear fruit. Together with them, may we too share in the missionary work of the whole Church that your Kingdom of justice, love and peace may come in all hearts and in all nations. We make our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
