Graduation.

Katoke-Lweru Secondary School knows how to celebrate! Form 6 Graduation has been held in February this year and the School has kicked up its heels. All students, staff, many parents and friends joined in.

Students dance – parents and friends join in

Form 6 (year 12) students are completing 13 years of schooling. Most never imagined it could ever happen. They were excited and grateful. Final exams are a couple of months ahead but that does not dampen the spirits! We are delighted to have Australian retired bursar Roeland Weisfelt on the spot to send photos (and support school administration).

See video of graduation celebrations. https://www.katoke.org.au/graduation-celebrations-2026-2/

Form 6 students on the front steps in civilian gear

After Graduation.

What happens after they complete school? Many go on to tertiary studies, doing university or technical courses. Into future careers they take a sense of Christian calling to make a difference in their society. As well, they will value education for their own children. There are many positive outcomes.

Two recent stories have come to my attention.

Remidius Respicius Kaijuki.

My wife Elizabeth, and I, sponsored Remidius at school. We were very pleased when he gained the highest level pass in the Form 6 National Exams. He is now studying International Relations and Diplomacy at the Centre of Foreign Relations in the main city, Dar es Salaam.

His background is fascinating and telling. He is an orphan. His father died when he was an infant and his mother gave the newborn to his grandparents and was never seen again. He grew up in Mafumbo Village, 6km from Katoke, where his grandparents were subsistence farmers growing the staple crops, bananas and beans. He attended nearby Kabaitwa Primary School, heard of KLSS and sat for the entrance exam, gaining support as a sponsored student. He now has the career goal of serving in international relations, especially in economy and diplomacy.

Remidius, writing to his sponsors, is very thankful. “Through your generosity, I was able to attend school without interruptions, access learning materials, pay school fees, and focus fully on my studies.” He adds, “I promise to use the education you helped provide responsibly and to work hard so that one day I can also support others in need, just as you supported me.”

Rhoda Aiden

From a poor family which had no hope of getting a child into Katoke-Lweru Secondary School, Rhoda passed the entrance exam and was sponsored. She was a good student and passed her final exams with excellent results. In gratitude, her father and mother came to the school and presented a goat to the Headmaster.

Rhoda described her schooling as “a miracle”.

Rhoda gained entry to study accounting at the Institute of Finance Management in Dar es Salaam where she is now in her second year.

Assembly Hall.

Our major building project is planned to start this year. With 530 students at KLSS, it is much needed. It will be the size of a basketball court, will seat to 800 and will be the largest structure on the site. Two building quotes have been received. Our Building Committee, under Warren Stalder, has chosen the more suitable. We are presently finalising arrangements with the chosen building company for the first stage of the work.

This will include the slab, the metal frame, the roof and perhaps the doors and walls.

This much will be fully usable. As funds are available the foyer, servery and the toilets will be completed.

Engaruka School.

We are pleased to be partnering with colleagues to start a school in northern Tanzania for children of the semi-nomadic tribe, the Maasai. Some excellent buildings have been completed and the second year of this school’s operation has begun.

Education at primary level has started with three teachers from that tribal group and some 90 students enrolled.

Opportunities to serve.

The Katoke Trust, with its Management Committee of 15 and seven subcommittees, has opportunities in two areas, for which we are seeking voluntary workers:

• Bookkeeper – to enter data for Katoke Trust receipts and payments

• Website manager – to regularly update the website

• Scholarships – to retain top students we are seeking scholarship providers.

The cost is $1500 pa. Scholarship can be named in memory of donor.

• Assembly Hall – Generous supporters have provided some $520,000 for the first stage. For the foyer, kitchenette, toilets, electricity and water connection, meeting areas as well as painting and finishing, further support is needed.

Please contact us if you are interested to know more about these opportunities.