The following article was written by the local African staff in Tanzania with quotes from the students.
Photo: Bishop Nigel presents bike to Jesca John
“Walking more than two hours every day to school has been discomfort situation to my whole life. Because of such distance normally I arrive at school being late and tired. I could not even concentrate well in my subjects and sometimes fall asleep during the class period. One day I was tempted to leave school. Getting a bike will help me to reduce distance and to concentratemy studies. I am sure I will be punctual student in my class and study hard. My ambition is to become a Teacher.” – Jesca John
Jesca John is a student from Shunga Secondary School. She lives in Kumuyange village in the North West part of Tanzania. Her parents died from AIDS. Jesca was one among many students who were at risk of dropping out from school because of the hardship she was facing in her life. Jesca could not wait to express her deep appreciation when she received a bike from friends in USA.
“Today I am very happy indeed because the generous people have helped me to touch my life. Giving a bike has been a source of encouragement to me.” -Agnes Joston.
“I will not forget, today I have seen God intervening my problem.” -Johnstone Julian.
The Anglican Church of Tanzania, Diocese of Kagera has celebrated its 25th anniversary since the diocese was inaugurated in August 1985. There were more than 1,000 people who attended the jubilee. One of the remarkable events was to see the Muslim young people singing and praising God because Tumaini had made a tremendous difference in their lives by enabling them to attend school. Bishop Nigel Stock from St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocese was among the guests from the UK who attended the anniversary.
On that colorful event Bishiop Aaron, Bishop of the Diocese of Kagera & Bishop Nigel were able to distribute the bikes to a number of students from different schools. It really was an amazing gift!
“God has seen these vulnerable students by using our friends from USA that now they have the bikes. These bikes will make life easier and will make them to study hard” said Bishop Aaron.
The Ngara District Commissioner, Mr. Nyakonji, was in attendance of the Ceremony of distributing the bikes. He was very much pleased to see students in his administrative areas receiving the bikes from friends in the USA. His speech to the students was that they must use these bikes to better their lives.
