News & Messages

News from Our Companion Diocese of Newala: April 2023

Our Companion Diocese of Newala is in the midst of a large building project for the school. In early April, the government visited the school. This school was identified as one of the best projects in the Newala area, and the foundation stone was laid by the head of the local government. You will see his name in one of the photos. Many dignitaries came and praised the work done by the nuns.
 
From Sr. Debora, CMM:
 
Today all the sisters are happy with the completion of all the classroom roofs, four small offices, and eight toilets for the children. They are covered with iron sheets that are strong and will be positive for us. Thank you so much.
 

So now we have eleven classes, four small offices for teachers, three ground tanks, and eight toilets. The ground tank preparation will continue.
 
But all in all, when all people visit the site, they are filled with wonder at this school construction. It's very nice now with the zinc-plated corrugated steel finishing for all roofs, and this is because of your close support!
 
We are already planting the different trees, 116 in total, that will provide fruit and shade. And a good thing now is it is rain time, so they do not need irrigation.
 

Now we have already prepared some underground tanks for harvesting water. With Makonde clean water, we get water every day now. [Now some water is piped down to them from the Makonde Plateau]. That is very good for us. (edited)
 
There is much to be done to complete the project, including plastering, windows, and furniture.
 
To support projects in our Companion Diocese of Newala, please send checks to:
 
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
804 East Juneau
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
Please put Newala Projects in the notation line.
 
Neil Radtke
Rev Oswald Bwechwa
Companion Diocese Committee Members

Companion Diocese of Newala: Progress on St Mary’s Newala Pre and Primary School

Here is the new sign for the school that was reported in the Diomil ENews last December. In brief summary, the CMM Sisters have had a daycare since 1982. That has expanded to a middle and upper preschool. Then came the Standard One class and the Standard Five class which will open this spring. They plan on expanding through Standard Seven in 2025. Please refer to our report in the December 1 newsletter to review the school’s record and success.

So the expansion construction continues as pictured above. Much has been accomplished and much needs to be done. To support projects in our Companion Diocese of Newala, you can send checks to the diocese with “Newala ” in the notation line or you can donate online with the diocesan website by clicking on the donate button and choosing “Newala” from the drop-down menu.

The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee
804 East Juneau
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Neil Radtke
The Rev. Oswald Bwechwa
Companion Diocese Committee Members

P.S. Are you looking for a “small” Newala project? The Sisters CMM lost their cow due to stomach cancer. Cows are a much-needed commodity. Much work has been done investigating the best breed. Some of the best milkers don’t survive the local diseases and pests. It is a work in progress.

A cow would cost about $1,200.00. Any amount toward this would be appreciated.

The Freed Slave Settlement at Masasi by R.M. Heanley, 1888

 
The following is the Black History of the Diocese of Masasi/Newala. Remember that the Newala diocese, founded in 2009 is the eastern half of the original Diocese of Masasi. Masasi was founded by the work of Bishop Edward Steere, 55 freed slaves, and a working traveling crew. The slaves had been freed in Zanzibar in 1876.

Freed Slave Settlement at Masasi, Chapter XII

 
Christ Church, pictured above, is located at the old slave market. According to Wikipedia, “The altar is said to be in the exact place where the main 'whipping post' of the market used to be." This is also pictured above. Both pictures taken by me in 1968.

Neil Radtke