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Gerhardinger Educational Centre
- ECDE completed - September 2023
- Blessing and Dedication of the ECDE
- Construction Update April 2023
- Construction Pictures March 2023
- Construction Pictures February 2023
- Background - Blessed Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger Educational Centre
- Building Plans - Early Childhood Development Centre
- Building Plans - Boys Latrine
- Building Plans - Girls Latrine
- Building Plans - Elementary Classrooms Building
- Building Plans - Administration Block
- Location Map - NDCO in Kenya
- Location Map - Location of SSND Convent and NDCO School property
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Brief HistoryIn 2009, the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) in Africa visited the Diocese of Hamilton to present the Notre Dame Children Outreach Project. The NDCO planned to assist the many needy and orphaned children living in Nyalieng’a parish, an area of Kenya hard-hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic but needed financial assistance. St. Michael’s parish embraced the project and over the course of the next few years, there were PowerPoint presentations, guest speakers and litugical musicians, fundraising events etc. There was even a Harambee Book Club and some Harambee Pub Nights.
In 2013, at the request of the NDCO, St. Michael’s put together the Harambee Child Sponsorship Program whereby donors here in Canada are matched directly with a child in Kenya. Annually, updated profiles of the children are provided to sponsors so that they can follow his/her/their progress. Currently, more than 120 children are being supported directly through this program. It is wonderful to see “your” child succeed and graduate as a nurse, an electrician or an engineer. It is also heart-breaking when young people succumb to social pressure and drop out.
When the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, everything in Kenya was shut down including the banks. St. Michael’s was able to send funds directly to the NDCO so the staff could provide food, medicine and education needs for the children and their families.
Over the course of these years, St. Michael’s has hosted many SSND from the NDCO and lasting friendships and relationships have been formed. With better internet service in Nyalieng’a and the advent of Zoom, communication has become easier and these relationships continue to grow.
Our journey with our brothers and sister in Nyalieng’a continues!
The Project Logo This logo is unique and clearly identifiable.
The continent of Africa is encircled by people holding hands in support of one another. Canadians are red and white. Our partners in Africa are coloured black, red and green. The continent of Africa is yellow representing the hope that our solidarity brings to the children.
All of us are working together – “Harambee”
and united by a common mission.The Harambee Solidarity Pole
In 2009, when the parish embarked on this project, a decision was made to have a strong, visible, permanent reminder of our solidarity with the Notre Dame Children Outreach project in Nyalieng’a Kenya.
A solid piece of BC cedar, strong and resistant to weathering, was prepared and installed in the front of the church. Much thought and discussion preceded the installation – colours, wording, placement…
At the top of the pole, the bands of red and white represent Canada. Black, red, and green are the colours of Kenya. Yellow signifies hope.
There is writing on the pole.
Facing outwards are the words:
Notre Dame Children Outreach – Kenya
Harambee – Working Together*
As we exit the church, we are reminded of our mission:
St. Michael’s – Waterloo
2010 – 2012 – 2017 – 2022 - 2027 **
The pole has now been in place for more than 13 years! It is looking somewhat worn but it is still solid and strong as is the parish commitment to assisting the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Nyalieng’a Kenya as they work with the children of the Notre Dame Children Outreach project to achieve the fullness of each child’s potential.
The Solidarity Pole - 2010
*Harambee (pronounced Ha-rahm-bay) is a Swahili word loosely meaning “Working Together”. As an example of its meaning, Sister Mara, the first Director of the NDCO, told of a cow that had fallen into a mud hole. The rescuers attached ropes to the cow and then, on the last syllable, as they shouted Harambee, pulled on the ropes simultaneously, thus rescuing the cow. So, Harambee àworking together for the common good.
Harambee Child
Sponsorship 2023
New sponsors are needed every
year so please consider changing
a child’s life. All donations are eligible
for tax receipts. There are no administration fees (except for small amounts lost to currency exchange).
If you would like more information
now, please send an email to [email protected]
or contact the parish office.
** Each year represents a change in the parish commitment. Initially from 2010 until 2012, this commitment has been extended twice – to 2017, then 2022 and now 2027. The parish still firmly believes in the work and value of the NDCO.
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News from Nyalieng'a March 2022
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Photo Albums
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News from Nyalieng'a - June 2021