AIDS fund

THE

ARUSHA TIMES

ON THE WEB

ISSN 0856-9135; No. 00211

March 9 - 15, 2002

Meru Diocese establishes AIDS fund

by Asiraji Mvungi

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCT) in Meru Diocese have established a fund to assist people infected with HIV/AIDS including AIDS orphans.

The Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye (centre) when he arrived in Arusha last week to attend the Meru Diocese celebrations to mark 100 years since the Church was established there. Left is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Secretary General, Amani Mwenigoha and right is Arusha’s Regional Commissioner, Daniel Ole Njoolay. (Photo by Asiraji Mvungi).

The Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye launched the fund last week during the celebrations to mark 100 years since the church was established in Meru. The anniversary celebrations were held at the Nkoaranga Church.

During the anniversary climax Tsh.30.6 Million was raised in cash contributions as well as pledges to boost various development activities by the church in the diocese. The contributions include three vehicles and 16 bicycles. The prime minister contributed Tsh.500,000.

The Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye planting a tree to commemorate 100th anniversary of the Church in Meru. (Photo by Asiraji Mvungi)

As part of the ceremony, the prime minister officially opened Nkoaranga secondary school which specializes in commerce and science subjects. The school built by the Meru Diocese is under the patronage of the Diocese Bishop, Paul Akyoo. The prime minister contributed another Tsh.500,000 for the purchase of teaching equipment and computers.

The prime minister urged religious leaders to work together in their activities and in ironing out differences that occur while fulfilling their duties. He said the government would not like to step into any religious crisis as it could easily be solved by the believers themselves.

He warned against the devastations of AIDS urging religious leaders to be in the forefront in helping people change their risky behaviour.

The anniversary ceremony which was led by Bishop Akyoo was also attended by the ELCT Bishop leader, Dr. Samson Mushemba, the Secretary General, Amani Mwenigoha, Bishop Msangi of Pare and Bishop Erasto Kweka of the Northern Diocese, among others.

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