News from our CMS Mission Partner in the Sudan
Some of us know Joanna from her curate days at St Augustine’s in Whitton and some of us only know her from her visits to St James’s. Last September she came to see us towards the end of her home leave. Joanna is a very gifted lady, whose faith has called her to live and work in the Sudan. For five years now she has been the Archbishop of Canterbury’s representative within the Episcopal Church in the Sudan (ECS), working alongside Joseph Marona, the Archbishop of Sudan. Her latest Link Letter is full of interesting things that happened early in 2006. How nice it is to read good news from a country that people immediately associate with the horror of Darfur.

Archbishop Rowan Williams made his first ever visit to Sudan. At Obel, on the banks of the White Nile, he witnessed the work of a World Food Programme distribution point for displaced people and met with local chiefs and WFP staff beneath the shade of the palm trees. He is accompanied in the picture by the bishop of the Diocese of Malakal.

The ECS Provincial Synod met inside Sudan for the first time in over 20 years and was a time of great celebration. It met in Juba, where the new government of Southern Sudan is now established and where the UN peace-keeping mission has a presence.

Joanna’s father visited as part of an official delegation of those who served in Sudan before independence 50 years ago. The picture with his daughter was taken beside the Blue Nile. Do take a look at Joanna’s March 2006 Link Letter for more detail and keep your eyes open for the next one. They are always displayed on the hall notice board, straight ahead of you as you enter.

Source: Charities and Links Committee, The Spire Magazine - 2006 June

News from our USPG Link Missionary Teacher in Tanzania
HEGONGO HOLY CROSS SCHOOL REPLENISHES THE ENVIRONMENT

Hegongo School, Magila, Muheza took advantage of the rains on Friday April 28th to plant almost 200 trees. Felix Rogers a student from Dar es Salaam, aided by other Form 1 boys, can be seen in the photo planting an orange tree.

This tree planting was part of a programme to regenerate the environment of the school. Students and teachers joined together in the planting of a variety of trees – ornamental, fruit, thorn and hardwood. The school is keen to replace trees which have been cut down. They are developing micro-environments which will give shading and protection; enhancing the environment; growing fruit to supplement the students’ diet and creating a source of income for the school. Some of the trees will be a future source for building as well as fuel. The Headmaster, Mr. C E Mganga said, “As a rural school we are encouraging students to be active in caring and developing the environment.”

Another development which has taken place at Hegongo School, which is at the foot of the Eastern Usambara Mountains, is the reclaiming of the School Sports Field. The football pitch has already been ploughed and harrowed and planted. Finishing touches are being made to the basketball pitch. Future plans include netball and volleyball pitches, a running track and long jump and high jump pits.

In preparation for planting students help prepare the land at the school shamba. During most of the year the shamba is able to supply mchicha and other vegetables to the school kitchens. Hegongo School is to receive a grant from England to construct equipment for water harvesting.

Source: Charities and Links Committee, The Spire Magazine - 2006 June