New mission in Zambia

Tilburg, 22 September 2021 – In recent years the brothers have been exploring the possibility of starting a new mission in Zambia. The Bishop of Mansa Diocese was very interested in the work of the brothers, and at the beginning of 2020 the General Board received an official invitation from Bishop Patrick Chisanga, O.F.M. Conv. to open a new mission in the Diocese of Mansa, in the Kawambwa District, Northern Zambia.

St. Mary’s Vocational  Training Centre

In the past, the Missionaries of Africa, also known as the White Fathers, had started several schools in Kawambwa. These were later handed over to the diocese, but unfortunately the diocese did not have the human and financial resources to continue all the facilities. Among other things, there is a centre with facilities for a tailoring and a carpentry workshop: St. Mary’s Vocational  Training Centre. These facilities are currently not fully in use, while proper training in these fields is an opportunity badly needed by young people to gain skills for work and earn a living. There are relatively many young people in Kawambwa District, and they have their own problems and needs. Therefore there is a need for people who can guide these young people through youth ministry and other forms of skill training to find their way to the future.

Pioneers

As preparation towards the realisation of a new mission in Zambia, four brothers who could be sent as pioneers for the new mission have been identified and they are now being prepared for the start of the new mission. In the past few months, several online meetings involving the General Board, the Provincial Board of Kenya, the Regional Board of Namibia, and the four pioneering brothers have been organized.

It is expected that the project in Zambia will in a gradual way become self-supporting, but for a start the new mission will need financial support to set up everything that is needed to offer the necessary training to the young people. It is encouraging to say that some sponsors have already given a positive response for support.

Support us

If you would also like to support this new mission of the brothers CMM, your contribution is most welcome and can be paid through bank number IBAN NL 60 ABNA 0522439055 in the name of Fraters CMM Missieprocuur (BIC: ABNANL2A, Postbus 90105, 5000 LA Tilburg). You can mention in the description for which purpose you want to make a donation, for example (in this case): “new mission Zambia”, then your donation will be earmarked for that purpose. Thank you for your support!