Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Australia are offering their support for small ecclesial and social entities in various African nations.
Among its many projects which it maintains in 160 countries throughout the world, the PMS has recently drawn up a plan in support for a Catholic school near the city of Kontagora, in northern Nigeria. The school is run by the Nigerian Sisters of Our Lady of Africa and just began one year ago. It offers education to children from age 1 to elementary school age. The children are mainly from the ethnic group “kamberi,” who learn the languages of “hausa” (among the most widespread in Nigeria) and English, so they can communicate on a world level.
“We believe that making a contribution in the area of education is very important. Through education, the people can develop their capacities and potential, gaining independence and self-sufficiency,” the Australian PMS declared.
The school is lovated in the Diocese of Bauchi (northern Nigeria), where there are 64,000 Catholics, out of a population of 5 million. One area of the diocese is especially lacking in infrastructures and institutions needed for development, such as roads, aqueducts, schools, and hospitals. In this area, the PMS of Australia is concentrating its work and planning. The “kamberi” people are among the most disadvantaged and marginalized, lacking above all the opportunity to learn to read and for education in general. “They are people who live in a 'no-man's land,' in a land forgotten by mankind,” a note from the local Church said. But these people are not forgotten by God: through the support of the PMS, God's loving gaze has been able to reach out to the children and families of the “kamberi.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/1/2009)
