KENYA: The New Bishop of Garissa determined to bring Muslims and Christians together
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| Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro |
The
newly appointed Bishop of Garissa Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro is determined to
change the perception of Muslims and Christians in Garissa Diocese through
education.
newly appointed Bishop of Garissa Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro is determined to
change the perception of Muslims and Christians in Garissa Diocese through
education.
In
an interview with Waumini Communications in Nairobi on 20th, January 2015,
Bishop Alessandro said education is a vital tool in breaking boundaries of
religion, tribalism and politics besides being a key to success.
an interview with Waumini Communications in Nairobi on 20th, January 2015,
Bishop Alessandro said education is a vital tool in breaking boundaries of
religion, tribalism and politics besides being a key to success.
He
noted with sorrow that schools in Garissa Diocese suffered a setback in
education, health, security and many other sectors due to the Garissa
University attack. On 2 April 2015,
gunmen stormed the Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, killing 148
people and injuring 79 or more. The militant group and Al-Qaeda offshoot,
Al-Shabaab, which the gunmen claimed to be from, took responsibility for the
attack.
noted with sorrow that schools in Garissa Diocese suffered a setback in
education, health, security and many other sectors due to the Garissa
University attack. On 2 April 2015,
gunmen stormed the Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, killing 148
people and injuring 79 or more. The militant group and Al-Qaeda offshoot,
Al-Shabaab, which the gunmen claimed to be from, took responsibility for the
attack.
“Many schools were shut down after parents
pulled out their children and teachers withdrew due to fear of similar attacks,”
he said.
pulled out their children and teachers withdrew due to fear of similar attacks,”
he said.
Bishop
Alessandro who is now appealing to well-wishers to support the Diocese
financially, materially and with prayers, confirms that the situation has
normalised as the number of children reporting back to school this year has
tremendously increased. “This is a sign of progress and courage to continue
with education, provision of health care and evangelisation. We are planning to
build more primary schools, build the first secondary school and to provide houses
for priests and sisters willing to serve in the Diocese.” He said
Alessandro who is now appealing to well-wishers to support the Diocese
financially, materially and with prayers, confirms that the situation has
normalised as the number of children reporting back to school this year has
tremendously increased. “This is a sign of progress and courage to continue
with education, provision of health care and evangelisation. We are planning to
build more primary schools, build the first secondary school and to provide houses
for priests and sisters willing to serve in the Diocese.” He said
In
response to the Bishop’s call through Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
(KCCB) – Commission for Education and Religious Education, Longhorn Publishers
Limited donated nursery and primary school text books worth more than half a
million Kenya shillings.
response to the Bishop’s call through Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
(KCCB) – Commission for Education and Religious Education, Longhorn Publishers
Limited donated nursery and primary school text books worth more than half a
million Kenya shillings.
Handing
over the books to the Bishop Alessandro in the presence of Commission for
Education and Religious Education National Executive Secretary, Augusta
Muthigani, Longhorn National Sales Manager Maurice Kahara said his company felt
the needs of the diocese and donated the books in an attempt to fulfil their
calling to charity, sponsorship and giving back to the society.
over the books to the Bishop Alessandro in the presence of Commission for
Education and Religious Education National Executive Secretary, Augusta
Muthigani, Longhorn National Sales Manager Maurice Kahara said his company felt
the needs of the diocese and donated the books in an attempt to fulfil their
calling to charity, sponsorship and giving back to the society.
Longhorn
has exhibited a close working relationship with the Catholic Church through
sponsorship of Catholic Schools Principals’ conferences at the Catholic
University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Diocesan meetings and publication of hymn
books for Kitui Diocese. They also work with the Dioceses of Bungoma and Mombasa.
has exhibited a close working relationship with the Catholic Church through
sponsorship of Catholic Schools Principals’ conferences at the Catholic
University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Diocesan meetings and publication of hymn
books for Kitui Diocese. They also work with the Dioceses of Bungoma and Mombasa.
The
Catholic Diocese of Garissa run five primary and eight nursery schools attended
by both Muslim and Christian children, a health centre, clinics and a
rehabilitation centre for the physically handicapped. The Diocese caters for
maintenance of these facilities by offering financial and spiritual support.
Catholic Diocese of Garissa run five primary and eight nursery schools attended
by both Muslim and Christian children, a health centre, clinics and a
rehabilitation centre for the physically handicapped. The Diocese caters for
maintenance of these facilities by offering financial and spiritual support.
By Rose Achiego,
Waumini Communications, KCCB
Waumini Communications, KCCB
