As I type this I am back in the UK experiencing the delights of a British summer- dodging ‘showers’ and trying to keep warm! Our final days in Dodoma were packed with events as they coincided with the parish’s feast day, leaving parties for three of the Jesuits and various other unexpected celebrations. Some of the goodbyes were particularly difficult but I know that I’ll maintain links and friendships...
One of the continuing links will be with Sr. Brigitte, one of the teachers at the school. Sr. Brigitte is beginning a new project to help girls and young women who are living in distressed situations. They may be homeless, abused or subjected to various forms of domestic and social violence. Disordered cultural and social practices have pushed them into abusive or forced marriages, slavery in domestic service or the sex trade. Some are subjected to abuse through witchcraft. Their situation is perpetuated by ignorance or fear, which means they are unable to extricate themselves from their situations. Sr. Brigitte’s project is aimed at helping young women to recover mentally, physically and spiritually form abusive backgrounds. She has been given land from the Tanzanian government and hopes to build a hostel for girls and young women, a school building and a retreat centre. Although the support from the government and bishops so far is encouraging, there is a long way to go and funds are low so I’m hoping to come up with ingenious ways of helping... All bright ideas gratefully received! 