The new Nursery School Saint Vincent Pallotti was officially launched on 15 November 2023. On the day before, Fr. François Xavier Olomo, Rector of Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, representing His Excellency Mgr Jean Mbarga, Archbishop of Yaoundé had blessed the school along with the new chapel of the Delegature Headquarter next to the nursery school.
Together with Superior General, Sr. Josephine D’Souza and her councillor, the Provincial Superior, Sr. Iwona Nadziejko and her councillor, some other sisters from Poland, France and Italy, the newly final professed sisters from various provinces of our Congregation who had come to Cameroon for a formation programme, the parents and distinguished guests were also present. The celebration began with a Holy Mass of thanksgiving presided over by Fr. Blaise Pascal Fanga, SAC, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé, who emphasised in his homily that the education of a child is an education for the future of a nation. He appreciated the zeal of the sisters and encouraged them, because through such an institution we can measure the trust that society has in the men and women of God. Only love will educate these pupils, he said.
The Superior General highlighted in her speech: “The educational apostolate is an important aspect of the Pallottine charism and crucial for the future of humanity. This school is a precious instrument whose mission is to educate the minds of children and young people. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has said that education is not a job, but rather an attitude, a way of life. It is the ability to develop the talents of pupils”. The sisters hope that the school will expand to meet the needs of the growing local population. A high proportion of the children at the nursery have special educational needs and it educates and cares for some of the most deprived children in the area. It is not just a childcare facility but a school that provides specialised early childhood education and the funding should reflect this.
After an inspiring and beautiful Eucharistic celebration, which was animated by a group of the children, it was time to cut the ribbons. After this ceremony, the pupils presented short artistic dances, songs and sketches. All the guests then took a tour of the facilities under the guidance of Sr. Krystyna Wasag, the director of the nursery school. After the tour, everyone present was offered a glass of friendship and congratulations were happily expressed.
Text: Sr. Manuela Metseni, SAC
Photos: Sr. Fabiana Leitgeber, SAC
Take also a look at the event gallery Opening of Nursery School
