The elementary school run by our Congregation in Mwanga has once again proven that, through hard work and Gospel-inspired love, extraordinary things can be achieved. The results of the national final exams, announced last week, brought us a historic success: all graduates passed the exam with the highest possible grade (an A), which placed our school in first place in the entire region. The school’s outstanding reputation is attracting more and more applicants, while also becoming a place of incredible pastoral fruitfulness. This year, a group of 43 students in their final year (out of 340 children attending the school) took the final exam. The results they achieved speak for themselves: 100% A grades. This marks yet another consecutive year in which the school in Mwanga has emerged as the educational leader in the region. This is a source of immense joy and pride not only for the Tanzanian Region but for our entire Congregation.
When we ask about the source of such excellent results, the answer does not lie in the selection of exceptionally gifted children. It is the fruit of a clear strategy centered on the individual, where motivation, hard work, and care for each person are the keys to everything. The Sisters, together with the teaching staff, have created a unique support system that encompasses both students and teachers. Valuing every child: students are rewarded with small gifts for good grades. Importantly, the Sisters also remember the other children—they, too, receive symbolic rewards that serve as an incentive to improve and continue working hard. Caring for teachers: The Sisters know full well that a tired teacher cannot give their all. That is why they monitor the teachers’ well-being on an ongoing basis; when necessary, they lighten their workload, take an interest in their family matters, and offer practical help during difficult times. Building community: Teachers are motivated by spending time together. The sisters organize team-building events, field trips, pilgrimages, and joyful celebrations for various occasions. Thanks to this approach, lay staff members stay with the students after school without hesitation, giving them their whole hearts and preparing them for state exams in a truly family-like atmosphere.
The school’s status as one of the best in the region means the sisters receive many inquiries about admitting new students. What is particularly valuable is that Muslim families—who value a high standard of education and impeccable upbringing—also actively seek places for their children here. This religious diversity does not pose any difficulties in the school’s daily life. All students from Muslim families follow the school’s daily schedule with full respect and without hesitation, including participation in Holy Mass and communal prayers. As a result, these children lead a Catholic life entirely of their own free will, a life that touches their hearts. The most beautiful proof of this will be this coming Sunday, when two of our Muslim students—who themselves asked for these sacraments—will receive Baptism and First Holy Communion. This is an extraordinary celebration for the entire school and community. The influence of the school in Mwanga extends far beyond the classroom walls. The children become little missionaries—they return to their family homes and there naturally “teach” the Catholic faith. Muslim parents see tangible, everyday results of this Catholic upbringing: the children’s deep devotion to prayer, their sense of order, diligence, and respect. Seeing these fruits, they are very pleased with the educational approach offered by the Sisters. The courage and naturalness with which these children profess their faith is also a remarkable sight. When the bells ring for the Angelus in the city, the students are not ashamed to pray publicly on the street. And although their parents often do not know the words of this prayer themselves, they are happy and proud that their children are growing up with such values.
The results from Mwanga are the most beautiful proof that our school is not just a place for imparting knowledge—it is something much greater. It is sowing the seed of the Gospel, which yields a hundredfold harvest on Tanzanian soil. We congratulate our Sisters, teachers, and students with all our hearts.