Mpwapwa
Over recent years, robust friendships have flourished between parishes, schools and individuals in the Rochester Diocese and those in Mpwapwa Diocese and St Philip’s Theological College in Tanzania. Shoreham has played a dedicated role within these partnerships, helping to nurture a spirit of community and shared purpose.
St Peter and St Paul Church, Shoreham’s Village School and St Michael’s School in Otford have developed links with St Joseph’s Chunyu and Chunyu primary and secondary schools in Tanzania. These relationships were established in 2018, following a visit to the Chunyu community by Shoreham’s Vicar and the Headteacher of Shoreham Village School. Since then, the connections have continued to thrive, with regular exchanges and mutual support.
Ongoing communication is maintained through a WhatsApp Group, which serves as a lively channel for sharing updates, photographs, prayers and music, fostering a deeper sense of unity and friendship.
Significant financial support has been provided to Mpwapwa, with funds raised by our former Vicar, The Revd Dr Diane Rees, totalling £3,600. These funds have been allocated to two schools, church projects, a borehole, and a medical centre. An additional £1,000 has been set aside for further support. Sylvie and Stephen Barbor, Co-Chairs of the Mpwapwa Companion Diocese Group, have overseen the distribution of these resources. The support has enabled the installation of window frames for a new church building, the provision of desks for schools, and improvements at Queen Esther’s School and St Luke’s Medical Centre.
In November 2024, Shoreham was honoured to welcome the Bishop of Mpwapwa, the Rt Rev Luzineth Kingamkono. A special reception took place in the church, offering an opportunity to share news and view recent images from Tanzania. During his visit, Bishop Luzineth attended a service, participated in the baptisms of two parishioners and even tried his hand at bell ringing, adding to the joy of the occasion.
For further information and opportunities to support these ongoing partnerships, please visit:
https://www.rochester.anglican.org/about-us/overseas-links/mpwapwa/
