Alumni of Kidia Secondary School’s 1995 graduating class have contributed over TZS 20 million to support the construction of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Kidia Parish.
The contribution, which also included various gifts, was handed over on August 10 during a thanksgiving service led by the Deputy Bishop of the Central Kilimanjaro Diocese, Rev. Israel Moshi, alongside Rev. Sayuni Shao of Kidia Parish and Rev. James Sambo of Kirua Parish.
Speaking at the event, Evaline Malisa Ntenga President of the Catholic Women of Africa and Chairperson of the Tanzania Catholic Women’s Union (WAWATA) said the donation was an expression of gratitude for the spiritual and social support the parish provided during their school years.
“There are many former classmates who wished to join us today, but we stand here on their behalf,” she said. “This is our way of thanking God as we mark 30 years since we completed Form Four.”
Former head prefect Henry Kandore presented the names of 119 students who began their studies at Kidia in 1992, many of whom came from more than nine surrounding villages, often walking long distances to access education.
Rev. Moshi commended the alumni for their generosity, saying their act of giving would remain a lasting legacy.
“We congratulate you wholeheartedly. The history you have made here will never be forgotten,” he said, urging them to continue supporting both the parish and the school.
Rev. Shao expressed joy at the timing of the contribution, noting that the church’s construction had reached the stage of window installation.
“Even when we did not know how this phase would be achieved, God used you to make it possible,” he said.
Since their graduation in 1995, members of the group have gone on to serve in various professions across Tanzania, carrying forward the values they gained at Kidia Secondary School and the parish.