Franciscans in Action
May 2008 e-newsletter

Educating the Children of Tanzania

Dar es Salaam

The Conventual Franciscan friars first undertook their missionary work in Tanzania exactly 20 years ago. The need in Tanzania is still great and the friars continue their work eagerly. One of their most recent projects responds to the need for quality education in Dar es Salaam for children of all ages. Dar es Salaam is a dense city with a population of over 2 million people. Many of its children do not have access to education and end up living on the street. Equipped with the philosophy that a good education is the basis for a good life, the Conventual Franciscan friars have founded the St. Maximilian Education Center on a piece of land donated by a local family. Construction of the center began in January of this year. When it is finished the center will provide educational facilities for students from pre-primary to secondary school age.

Pupils from the St. Maximilian Education Center in Dar es Salaam

The Conventual Franciscans, not wanting to waste time until the center is finished, have already started teaching children of early primary school age in a nearby makeshift building. They understand that time is of the essence. Children need education not tomorrow or next week, but now.

We encourage you our readers to send in stories where you see the spirit of St. Francis at work in the world. Email your stories to Peter Rajchert at peter@franciscans.org.