KARONGA DIOCESE CURIA STAFF EXTEND LENTEN SEASON COMPASSION TO ST. MARY’S RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
By Wezzie Mwangonde
Karonga Diocese Curia staff have donated essential items to St. Mary’s Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, as the Church’s commitment to serving the marginalized during the Lenten season.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Sister Cecilia Chiumia, Lay Apostolate Coordinator in the Diocese’s Pastoral Department, said the donation was part of this year’s Lenten observance, which focuses on alms giving and the staff felt the need to support visually impaired children who face numerous challenges in meeting their basic needs.
Sister Chiumia emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable, especially during the Lent Season which is a time dedicated to reflection, sacrifice, and acts of love.
“The donation of clothes, Soya pieces,Maize and monetary contributions symbolizes our solidarity with those in need. As we journey through Lent, we are reminded to extend Christ’s love through both word and action,” she said.
The Teacher-In-Charge at the resource center, Mr. Ackim Kayira, expressed gratitude for the Diocese’s support, describing the donation as timely and impactful. He noted that the school had to close earlier in the term due to a shortage of food.
He added that while the government provides a monthly allocation of K350,000, it is insufficient to cover both food and the wages of support staff.
“The donation is timely, it may help our learners return to school earlier ,as they often come two weeks after classes resume. We usually have to wait for government funding to purchase basic necessities “, he explained.
St. Mary’s Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, which serves children from across the region, currently has 20 learners.