Earlier this summer improvements were made to the playground equipment on the St. Martin's campus. Boards were replaced, a new swing installed, and needed maintenance for kids busy playing

This past rainy season has been trying at St. Martin de Porres Orphanage. Children have been ill and many trips have been made to the hospital.
In an effort to prevent future illnesses, a group of Doctors and nurses from the Katandala Health Clinic have created an outreach program for the children. This will include full check ups, vaccinations, and monitoring nutrition and growth. This is so important since many of children at St. Martin's arrive with inadequate background information.
In addition, Mr. Godwin Kaswiza of the Diocese Health Education will create a program for the mamas educating them on the benefits of good hygiene, proper food preparation, etc.
Sounds like a plan!

Thank You to the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, the Mama's, and all who care for the children at St. Martin's Orphanage! Their dedication and nurturing environment enable the children to smile, laugh, and develop into the people they are meant to be!

Hurray!! The commercial size washing machine purchased for the Katandala Maternity Ward is being installed and will soon be operational! 
Thank You Godwin Mzurikwao on your diligence in on this project!!

The highpoint of our trip to Tanzania was our visit to the Katandala Maternity Ward a short walk from the orphanage. A recently delivered container of medical equipment from Project C.U.R.E. had arrived as a result of the Spring Lake Rotary grant in partnership with St. Martin's Kids and St. Mary's Church.
This equipment has provided the capacity for this facility to perform safe birth practices including c-sections and other surgeries. Since the equipments installation at the end of July, there has been 47 surgeries and 34 births, including a set of twins and triplets...And the best part--NO MATERNAL DEATHS!!
What an impact this facility will have on the region!

On Tuesday, August 28th, our team flew from Chicago to begin our trip to Sumbawanga, Tanzania. Three flights later we landed in Mbeya, Tanzania ready for our 6 hour drive to our final destination. Despite a flat tire during our drive, we arrived and were warmly greeted by Sr. Helena Katebera and members of her office. That evening we enjoyed dinner at the Bishop's residence while renewing acquaintances and meeting new friends.

When the container of medical equipment was opened in Dar es Salaam, this note was found from Project CU.R.E. 
This afternoon our team of St. Martin's Kids, Spring Lake Rotary and Grace Ministries International will be leaving for Sumbawanga to visit the orphanage and the Katandala Maternity Ward where the medical equipment has already made a difference. 
We feel so blessed to have been a part of this wonderful improvement in maternal health!!

Thank You to everyone of St. Mary's who made this dream a reality for the women of the Rukwa Region!!