This year the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Springfield will raise funds for a hostel for girls—who mostly grow up in rural areas—to live while they pursue their education at St. Peter’s Secondary School. Currently, the Tabora Diocese provides limited housing for girls, but a new dorm would meet the growing demand for their education. Typically, in East Africa children leave their rural homes and reside in towns and cities for secondary education—often through the church. Research supports the notion that the presence of educated girls and women raises the overall health, economy and wellbeing of their communities.
The prospective hostel would be located in the church compound, which consists of the church, St. Peter’s Secondary School and a boys’ dormitory. Construction would take about three months, be done by professionals and volunteers, and upon completion be inspected by government officials. The completed hostel will house 68 girls.
Bishop Elias Chakupewa, Bishop of Tabora, is committed to girls’ education. A very special aspect of this year’s ECW project is that he will visit the Springfield Diocese next year and bring us in person the latest news on the progress and outcome of our efforts.
The Diocesan ECW Board encourages local church women’s groups, parishes and missions to hold fundraisers over the next year to support this project – a speaker is available (no women’s group is too small). ECW also welcomes contributions from individuals.
Checks should be made payable to ECW Outreach and mailed to ECW Treasurer, Judy Ellison, 122 Hightide Drive, Decatur, IL 62521.
For further information, please contact Linda Thomas, ECW Outreach Chairperson, at lthomas51@mindspring.com.
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