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News from the St. Marie Eugenie School in Tanzania, November 1, 2011

Charlotte Coltman, development officer for the Assumption school in Chekereni, Tanzania sends us her latest newsletter.

The "Saint Marie Eugenie Secondary School," was established to commemorate the canonization of the foundress of the Religious of the Assumption. What better way to honor her than to offer an Assumption education to these young girls of Africa?

Below is an excerpt from the November newsletter:

"I never truly thought I would say these words, but “water, it’s a miracle!” Building a water supply at the school has been a personal challenge to many of us here in East Africa for the last twelve months, so to finally see water coming out the showers, I’m excited!

In the last quarter of 2010, a strategic decision was taken to provide a long-term reliable supply of water at the school, capable of supporting a 450-capacity boarding school. It all began with two Assumption Sisters on the mountain raising funds for the borehole. Drilling provided some interesting entertainment to local villagers and after two attempts and some 85m depth, the water table was reached.

Next, we embarked on the build of a 300,000 liter sunk water tank for the water to be pumped to and stored. Unable to blast the ground, a large hole was dug by hand taking some eight men over two weeks of hard graft. The shell was completed, lined with reinforcement and concrete and then three chambers closed in.

Then began the work to build the elevated platform and 50,000 liters water tank. Delivered from Kenya, the metal tank took a couple of weeks to complete. Next, pumps were installed, firstly at the borehole site and second to pump the water to the elevated tank. Finally the minimum piping was
laid, to the ablution blocks near the girls’ dormitories and to the Sister’s home. Et voila! Maji (Swahili for 'water') at Chekereni!

It’s been a long slog, but here are some photos and a quick playback of the last year or so (please refer to sidebar).

Here at Chekereni we would all very much like to thank all of you who personally helped to provide water at the school. With donors both here and overseas, your participation is most appreciated and we hope you will continue to follow and support our journey. Asanteni Sana!

On the school operations front, the pre-Form 1’s continue to settle into Chekereni life and undertake their English studies. Meanwhile the existing Form 1’s prepare for annual exams which take place in the coming week. They are important, if you fail, you’re on your bike. To help the girls with their English, we recently took delivery of some books from Read International, the UK charity that supports schools in Tanzania by shipping much needed materials. As well as English materials, the donation included a few encyclopedias and much needed readers and has given our library a much needed boost. Thank you, Read International!

We await delivery of our bookshelves from the workmen and hope to have some pictures of our library soon."

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Anyone in the USA who is interested in being a part of this project may contact Sr. Mary Ann Azanza, RA at info@assumptionsisters.org or write her at

Assumption Sisters

11 Old English Road

Worcester, MA 01609

Thank you!

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