The SNDs are grateful to our partners across the country who regularly support our East Africa Mission. One powerful collaboration began in 2022 after Sr. Valerie Sweeney of the Chardon region made a mission appeal in Lancaster, Ohio. Bridges Ministry was launched through the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption and they have chosen to form an ongoing relationship with the East Africa mission. They see their ministry as building bridges, using the structure of the universal church to identify the needs of the marginalized and raising the funds necessary to meet those needs. Their projects have included access to clean water, emergency repairs to flooded nursery schools, and the construction of boarding facilities for Maasai children.
In July, Sr. Lisa Megaffin and Jen Coito met with Bridges Ministry leaders as they were preparing for two events to raise awareness and funds for the SND East Africa missions. Sr. Christine Syombua was featured on a radio podcast; her presentation begins at about 15 minutes into the recording. A benefit concert with singer/songwriter Sarah Hart was also held on Saturday, August 16.
This October, two members of Bridges Ministry’s Team were present for the ribbon-cutting of a boarding facility for Maasai children at Notre Dame Osotwa School in Tanzania. The completion was a celebration of the vision of the SNDs serving the region, and the networks in the USA that enable them to carry out their ministry to the poor and marginalized. In explaining the critical need for this project, Sr. Christine Syombua stated, “The Sisters of Notre Dame in Maasai land aim to promote education for girls, advocate for legal reforms, and offer support to families and communities to shift perspectives on early marriage. By highlighting the benefits of education and empowering girls to make their own choices, we seek to foster a cultural shift towards valuing girls’ rights and opportunities…. When we were starting the mission in the Maasai area, we also realized that boys needed a lot of help because they are not spared from harsh cultural practices. They are also given wives at a very young age, sometimes while they are still in primary school. Our main aim is to address these issues and promote education for both girls and boys within Maasai communities.” The Sisters of Notre Dame are deeply grateful for the generosity of Bridges Ministry!
Learn More About our East Africa Missions
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