Dedication of Mpalapande Primary School

July 12, 2017

We arrived at Mpalapande ready to celebrate. We could see that preparations were still in progress. There was a tented area, with an altar and chairs for honored guests. The women were cooking off in the shade, and Maasai men were gathering under the shaded walkway of the school building. Two vehicles full of diocese leaders had just arrived.

The school was looking spiffy, and the area around had been cleared of all construction debris.  The day before, mounds of sand had been leveled.  It all looked great.

Look at those solid doors with their shiny golden handles. Inside, the windows were washed, the blackboards clean.

Guests from the Iringa Diocese head office included district pastors and department heads.

The Maasai mzee [elders] were standing by.

The contractor was present, and members of his staff had put the final touches on the dedication plaque just the day before.

Bishop Gaville, who had been consecrated and installed in his position just weeks before, was preparing to dedicate his first building in the diocese.  He assigned Bible texts to be read by various pastors representing the diocese, the parish, the congregation, and SOTV.

Food preparation happened out of the sun.

The gathering crowd represented many tribes -- Hehe, Maasai, Barabeig, Bene, and then there were a few Americans. There were lots of cameras.  The local Maasai arrived as the festivities got underway, just in time from milking the cows. The crowd grew as the celebration went on.

All the stakeholders were invited to help attach the dedication plaque.  Inserted behind, there is a Bible in both English and Swahili, representing our partnership. Notice above, the Maasai girl who was invited to stand right up front as a witness.  Out of photo range, a Maasai boy stood opposite her. The pastors and district pastors surrounded us. 

Bishop Gaville’s remarks were based on a verse from Proverbs 4:13, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”

He reminded those gathered that everything they can see in this place comes from God – the partnership between the Iringa Diocese and the Saint Paul Area Synod, the partnership between Tungamalenga Parish and Shepherd of the Valley, this building, and the gift of education. He asked the local congregation to “protect this gift” and guard it from damage, because “this school will provide leaders of the future.”

The village chairperson offered the thanks of the community. “Thank God, he has seen the need of the people here.” The local Member of Parliament sent greetings and thanks to the church community.

Pastor Paulo Massinga also offered words of thanks. “Thank God, what we have been waiting for so long is now here.”