St. Peter Claver High School Makes Headlines
By Abel Ogonah, SJ
Over the past three weeks, St. Peter Claver High School in Dodoma has been bustling with activities. True to its mission of learning, loving, and serving, the school has hosted a range of events and formative activities designed to promote the holistic growth of its 1,180 students. These activities have spanned across academics, spirituality, sports, and social development, making the school a hub of dynamic engagement.
The 11th Form 4 Graduation Ceremony
On 28th September 2024, St. Peter Claver High School became the center of attention as it hosted its 11th Form 4 graduation ceremony. This long-awaited event was met with enthusiasm not only by the graduating students, who were eager to celebrate the completion of their O-Level education, but also by their teachers, caregivers, parents, and guardians. The excitement was palpable, with families arriving well-prepared to celebrate the day with refreshments.
The ceremony commenced with a Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr. Sammy Wafula, SJ and concelebrated by Frs. Karongo, SJ, Kimonge, SJ, Fr. Ogot, SJ and Fr. Lado, SJ. During his homily, Fr. Sammy encouraged the graduates to embody the school’s motto: To Learn, to Love, and to Serve, reminding them of their duty to be “the light and salt of the earth” in any community they join.
The head of school, Fr Karongo, SJ echoed these sentiments in his speech, advising the students to make the most of the skills they have acquired through both curricular and extracurricular activities. The graduates, through their representatives, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school for the comprehensive formation they had received. The guest of honour also addressed the gathering, urging parents and guardians to actively engage in dialogue with their children as they navigate future career paths.
Celebrating Nyerere Day in Style
Tanzania celebrates Nyerere Day on 14th October every year, honouring the legacy of the country’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. On this public holiday, students at St. Peter Claver High School were allowed to follow their individual schedules for studying, cleaning, and resting. However, some students, driven by the spirit of Ujamaa and inspired by the Ignatian ethos of being “people for others,” volunteered for a charity initiative organized by the Campus Ministry.
The students visited the House of Hope, an orphanage run by the Ursuline Sisters, which provides care to children from underprivileged backgrounds. With joy and compassion, the students engaged with the 61 children, aged 3 to 15, playing games, watering gardens, doing laundry, and helping to sort beans. Their efforts embodied the values of service and solidarity that Nyerere championed, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the children.
