Strength in unity

MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Fall 2024

Joanne Miya, Tanzania

In September, nine Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ “Friends Across Borders” participants spent 10 days in Tanzania, meeting our lay missioners, visiting our various ministries, and learning about the Tanzanian people and culture. Uzima Centre is a welcoming place for all, including our friends back home.

MWANZA, TANZANIA—In the United States, it is autumn, and a new school year is well under way. In Tanzania, our students are taking their final exams. 

Seventh-grade exam marks the end of primary school and determines if a student will go on to secondary school. Secondary school lasts for four years with an exam after the fourth year that determines who will continue for two more years of advanced studies prior to starting university. 

It’s not easy. Primary school is taught in Swahili, but secondary school requires that all students take 9-10 classes, all taught in English. The students who make it to university are among the most determined and focused people I know. 

Irene has lived with HIV since birth. At age four, her mother registered at Uzima Centre. Despite frequent absences from school due to illness, Irene was often top in her class. She is now in university! Her dream is to become a doctor.

One student who is close to my heart is Irene. Irene has lived with HIV since birth. At age four, her mother registered at Uzima Centre, which provides hope, healthcare, education, and support groups for children, adolescents, and adults living with HIV. 

The youngest of nine children, Irene was always small for her age but very bright. Despite frequent absences from school due to illness, Irene was often top in her class. It is hard to believe that she is now in university! Her dream is to become a doctor.

HIV is not limited to a particular age bracket or socio-economic group. Uzima Centre is committed to assisting all in need regardless of age, religion, or ethnicity. Currently our clients range in age from 2 to 80 years. 

One of the unique features of our program services is our inclusion of multiple generations and a diversity of religious beliefs. What a blessing it is when clients who are Muslim and Christian come together to support one another, and in Tanzania that is the norm. 

Inclusion requires the dismantling of “us” and “them.” It finds our commonality, and welcomes our differences. It’s what Jesus calls us to do.

One of our newest clients is a 10-year-old girl named Joan. Joan has leg braces and needs crutches to walk. She is also HIV+. Joan is being raised by her mother, who is Muslim, but her father was Catholic. 

Her mother approached me about how to register her daughter for Catholic religious education. She said, “Joan is asking to attend the Catholic church. How do I go about that?” 

In most families here, including my own, there are relatives who are Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim, and a few “undecided.” We accept one another as children of God.

I am excited to announce a new program we have for our elderly clients. To improve their standard of living, their caregivers will be helped with capital and training to expand their current income-generating activity. The elderly clients will participate according to their ability. 

We have seen that although caregivers are doing their best to provide for their elderly family members, their income is a limiting factor. Economic empowerment should have a positive impact on the quality of life for the elderly, and the entire family. 

Although we still provide direct assistance, Uzima Centre is trying to shift our focus to enabling people to better meet their own needs and to become more self-sufficient. 

This is our first generation of geriatric HIV positive clients. We are learning as we go. Your prayers and support would be most helpful. 

Recently we were blessed with a visit from nine Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ “Friends Across Borders” participants. This lovely group spent 10 days meeting our lay missioners, visiting our various ministries, and learning about the Tanzanian people and culture. 

During their visit at Uzima Centre, they were able to learn about the lives of our teens and the challenges they face. Likewise, our teens were able to ask questions about life in the United States. 

It was a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about Uzima Centre being a welcoming place for all, but it also includes our friends and donors who make this all possible. 

There is a Swahili saying, Umoja ni nguvu, which means “Unity is strength.” By working together, we can bring about positive change in the world, one person at a time. Thank you and God bless.

Peace, deep breaths and gratitude,
Joanne  /  [email protected] or [email protected] 

Please consider supporting my mission work at the Uzima Centre with a donation through the link below.

I invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!