The Fraternity’s new school was inaugurated in Bukoba

January 25th was a day of great joy for the Diocese of Bukoba, with the Inauguration of the new educational institution SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS in Kakerere, Kyerwa, built by the piety of the Missionary Church of the Czech Republic.

Four years ago, the Orthodox Foreign Mission Fraternity received a request from a friend of the Mission and a distinguished faithful of the Czech Church, Peter Kolencik, to fund the construction of a school in Africa. The Fraternity proposed the Diocese of Bukoba, which chose its most populous Parish, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Kakerere, in the Kyerwa district of the Karagwe Region.

In 2022, the construction of the School began, based on plans by Architect Frank Rutemerwa. The reverend Priest Fr. Matthias Joakim took responsibility for the completion of the project.

In 2023, the 7 classrooms were completed, and photovoltaic panels were installed for autonomous electricity supply, with the kind assistance of Electrical Engineer Mr. Christos Papas from Arta.

In 2024-2025, the trial operation of the Kindergarten began with two teachers.

The competent State Education Committee repeatedly visited the School and made proposals for the necessary actions for the School’s licensing.

Last November-December 2025, a great effort was made to construct a Kitchen and Dining Hall for the official operation of the Primary School with the 1st Grade, with State permission.

The Diocesan Education Committee hired a Director and new teachers, and on January 13th, the School’s 1st Grade and Kindergarten began with 50 students.

Thus, we arrived at Sunday, January 25th, when His Grace Bishop Chrysostomos of Bukoba and Western Tanzania visited the Parish. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Cross, attended by the Archpriest’s Commissioner, Rev. Peter Theofanos, and Priests of the Kyerwa Archpriestly District.

After the Divine Liturgy, with the Holy Icon of Saints Cyril and Methodius leading and chanting their Apolytikion, clergy and people proceeded to the School grounds, where the Blessing of the Inauguration of the new School took place amidst the immense joy of all.

His Grace the Bishop spoke, glorifying the Lord for His love and thanking all who contributed to the construction of the School: the donor Mr. Peter Kolencik from the Czech Republic, the Orthodox Foreign Mission Fraternity, the Priest Fr. Matthias, the architect, and the contractor.

He thanked the Director Mr. Basil Athanasios, the teachers, and the parents, and asked everyone to support the new School, which will be a continuous doxology to the Great Teacher Jesus Christ, a continuous confession of our Orthodox Church, and a continuous preparation of children to become the worthy future leaders of our Church!