Lap Witnesses Commitment and Collaboration: Loyola House’s Farewell to Interns & Aor's Partnership with Fe Y Alegria
By Fr.Odomaro Mubangizi-for Loyola Associated Press(LAP)
At Loyola House, the community celebrated its interns’ commitment to excellence, acknowledging their significant contributions to the kitchen and overall community life. Simultaneously, at the Mwangaza Spirituality Centre, AOR cemented its collaboration with Fe Y Alegria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to advance education for marginalized groups. This partnership emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the dedication of individuals working together toward a greater cause.
Loyola House Bids Farewell to Virtuous Interns
Saturday, 20 April 2024, was a memorable day at Loyola House as the community bid farewell to interns Diana Atieno and Hellen Webale, who had been supporting the kitchen for three months. Andrea Uduma, serving as the Master of Ceremonies, invited community members to express their thoughts about the two interns. Speaker after speaker praised their remarkable virtues of commitment, focus, professionalism, and respect. Diana and Hellen were also commended for their creativity in cooking, care for those with special dietary needs, and responsibility even in the absence of their instructors, Brian and Justus.
Some members recalled how the interns displayed unique qualities, including devotion and piety, evident from the Gospel music often heard from the kitchen. Special mention was made of the cleanliness maintained in both the kitchen and the dining room. As the special meal was served, community members who had traveled to Molo arrived just in time to join the celebration. Peter Otieno, who had known Diana and Hellen for only a few days, spoke briefly about their dedication and love for their duties.
Albert Gubanja was invited to give a special address, acknowledging the special cooking skills of Diana and Hellen and extending an invitation for them to return to Loyola House anytime. A special cake was cut by Diana and Hellen, assisted by Peter Otieno, as Shirima Didimus intoned “kata keki, kata keki” (to the tune of Amazing Grace). As the cake and ice cream were shared, Diana and Hellen took turns expressing gratitude to the community for the support and warm hospitality they received. The celebration concluded with a prayer. Some attendees then proceeded to the TV room to watch a Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea, while others retired to their rooms, including Bina, as Arsenal wasn’t playing that day.
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AOR Signs an MOU with FE Y Alegria
On Monday, 22 April 2024, AOR Provincial Fr. Kizito Kiyimba, SJ, signed an MoU with Fe Y Alegria’s Director, Fr. Daniell Vilanueva, SJ, to strengthen cooperation in delivering education to marginalized groups. Fr. Kizito had just returned from Nigeria, where he attended a JCAM Plenary meeting. Among those who witnessed this landmark ceremony at Mwangaza were Fr. James Mugwe, SJ, Director of St. Joseph Development Programmes, and Deacon Francis Kyalo, a special photographer for Loyola Associated Press.
Over 40 delegates from Africa, Madagascar, Latin America, and Spain, both Jesuit and lay, participated in the Workshop (from 22 to 25 April) aimed at consolidating and spreading the work of Fe Y Alegria in Africa and Madagascar. The interactive Workshop drew insights from Liberation Theology and Paolo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. It explored ways of promoting democracy, equality, and justice through a liberating pedagogy of popular education at all levels of learning.
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