The Wolfreton Rushanje Community
Partnership
Historical Background:
With the coming of europeans to civilise Africa, education was introduced. The first europeans were called Speke and Grant who were explorers looking for the source of the Nile and arrived in 1862. Later on another explorer called Henry Stanley also arrived at the King’s (Kabaka) palace. At the request of the King, Stanley wrote a letter back to europe requesting for missionaries to come and teach christianity in Uganda. In 1877 the first protestant missionaries arrived, these were Smith, Wilson and MacKay. In 1879 the first Catholic missionaries arrived, these were Bro. Amans and Fr.Loudel whom the ugandans nicknamed ‘Mapela’.
The story of the missionaries is very interesting, but unfortunately at the end of it all some ugandans were killed for their religion. This explains why religion has strong roots in Uganda, over 40 young men were killed and are recognised as martyrs. We remember them every 3rd June. Rushanje School being catholic founded was named in memory of St Maria Ciorretti who was also a martyr and a young girl of the age of the students we teach. Students are called upon to emulate her example. |The school feastday therefore falls on the Patron Saints day of 6th July according to the Catholic Church calendar. This year the celebration was deferred until 17th July so that the Wolfreton World Challenge students and staff could attend.
School Feastday (St. Maria Ciorretti Day)
This they did in song which was greatly appreciated by the assembled guests and dignitaries. Derek Johnson made a speech outlining the history of the link, its aims, achievements and future plans. The guest of honour was so impressed with the partnership and the project on Wolfreton House that he immediately agreed to fund the installation of the electrics into Wolfreton House.
The Wolfreton Choir
Addressing the audience
Lots of food needs lots of plates. All have to be washed and dried.
Rushanje students entertaining in traditional dress
