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📈 Why the Boys Dormitory Came First

Enrollment at Osotwa has grown steadily since 2012, with boys now outnumbering girls by more than 50 students. In 2025, 176 boys are enrolled compared to 125 girls. The original boys dormitory, Ignatia Boma, was built for just 45 students and could no longer meet the needs of the growing population—especially during national exams, when boys are required to board for two months of intensive preparation.

Most students come from homes without electricity, making evening study nearly impossible. Boarding provides not only shelter, but the academic support and structure essential for long-term success.

🧱 Built on Faith, Not Fully Funded

Construction of the new dormitory began in June 2024, with plans to house 200 boys and include a three-room patron/sickbay house. Thanks to generous support from the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption’s Bridges Ministry and the Barbara and Nicholas Renat Trust, the first half of the dormitory—ten shared cubicles with five double-decker beds each—is now in use.

A Legacy Rooted in Faith
The Barbara and Nicholas Renat Trust was established in loving memory of Barbara and Nicholas after their passing, as a testament to their enduring faith and compassion. Through this memorial gift, their legacy lives on—bringing light, learning, and shelter to the children of Osotwa. The Sisters of Notre Dame give thanks for this blessing, which continues to bear fruit in the lives of those they serve.

But the building is not yet finished. When funds ran out, workers continued construction without pay so the boys could move in. Their sacrifice is a testament to the shared belief in the power of education. The Sisters of Notre Dame now carry a significant debt to honor that labor.

🙏 Help Us Finish What Faith Began

The boys dormitory is a milestone—but not the end of the journey. Your support helps:

Complete the remaining dormitory space so all 200 boys can be safely housed.
Relieve the Sisters’ construction debt, honoring the workers who gave so generously.
Lay the foundation for future projects, including a much-needed girls dormitory and the completion of a nursery school in Arusha.
💛 Every gift helps build a future.

We need your help

We are excited to share an update on our ongoing building project in Tanzania, where we are working to create safe, nurturing spaces for children. As we continue to make progress, we now need your help to take the next big step—building dormitories for boys and girls.

Our project in Tanzania is more than just constructing buildings; it’s about creating a brighter future for children who need a safe place to live and learn. With the addition of these dormitories, we will be able to provide a secure home for dozens of boys and girls, giving them the stability they need to focus on their education and personal growth.

Why Dormitories are Critical:

Currently, thanks to the Bridges Ministry, a boarding facility for boys is under construction. Delegation Superior Sister Mary Christine explained that the decision to build a facility for boys first was not due to a lack of importance for girls. In their culture, particularly in that area, girls are often married off as early as eight years old due to the bride price, a cultural practice where the groom or his family pays a certain amount of money, property, or other valuable items to the bride’s family upon marriage.

Sister Christine stated, “The Sisters of Notre Dame in Maasai land aim to promote education for girls, advocate for legal reforms, and offer support to families and communities to shift perspectives on early marriage. By highlighting the benefits of education and empowering girls to make their own choices, we seek to foster a cultural shift towards valuing girls’ rights and opportunities.

“When we were starting the mission in the Maasai area, we also realized that boys needed a lot of help because they are not spared from harsh cultural practices. They are also given wives at a very young age, sometimes while they are still in primary school. Our main aim is to address these issues and promote education for both girls and boys within Maasai communities.”

What We Need:

We have reached an important milestone, but we still need funds to make the boys and girls dormitories a reality.

This includes:

• Building materials
• Construction labor
• Furnishings for the dormitories
• Sanitation and bathroom facilities

How You Can Help

Your donation, no matter how big or small, will bring us closer to completing this project and providing a safe, welcoming environment for these children. We invite you to contribute and make a lasting difference in their lives. Together, we can help them realize their full potential.

Please consider making a donation today to support the building of the boys and girls dormitories. Your generosity will leave a lasting impact, creating a safe and supportive space where these children can grow, learn, and thrive.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We believe in the power of community, and with your support, we can change the future for these children. Let’s build a brighter tomorrow together.

Updated Images as of January 2025