EARLY RAINS BLESS THE DEN

The lion or lioness is the school’s mascot, and pride (a group of lions/lionesses) refers to the students of Loyola Jesuit College
Vol. 7 Number 10
13 April 2008
A Newsletter for Parents
EARLY
RAINS
BLESS
THE
DEN
Before the Lions/Lionesses returned for their final term of the session, the thunder roared and the
heavens wept. And our campus was bathed clean. The blessing from the rains is symbolized in the
emerging greenery and renewed vitality of the plants that adorn LJC. Similarly, we hope our staff and
students return with a fervent spirit to embrace a term packed with vital events (see calendar page).
The Flame of the Forest rekindled in its true colours
Those in the examination classes are the first to share in the action. While other students
eventually had four weeks of Easter vacation, the JSS-3 and SSS-3 students were due back here seven
days after Easter—to complete some unfinished business: Extension Classes.
Besides the various exams, other activities this term include Children’s Day and the Cultural Day
celebrations—where staff and students show off in colorful African attires that remind us of the beauty of
our heritage. For this year’s Children’s Day, an Agape Lunch will be followed by the Inter-House Quiz.
Before Children’s Day, we would have had the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Mid- May,
our dear Archbishop will be back here to confer on some of our students the Sacrament of Confirmation.
After some minor activities like the Prom, etc, the last major event for the term would be the
Graduation Ceremony in July. Hopefully, the class of 2008 would produce 87 Loyola graduates. Their
six years of Jesuit education at LJC would bestow on them the permanent privilege of being Loyolans.
Marked by Conscience, Competence and a Compassionate Commitment to the service of God and
Others, they will be let out of the Den equipped to face the world....
Announcements
LJC WINS FCT 2008 COWBELL MATHEMATICS
COMPETITION: At the First Stage of this year’s
Cowbell National Mathematics Competition, Loyola
Jesuit College emerged winner in the senior category. William EZEANI scored 92% to clinch the 1st
position, while another Loyola student Nonso ANYIGBO scored 90% to secure the 2nd position. At the
junior category, LJC Lion Francis OPARA scored a
nail-biting 90% to emerge 2nd behind the winner
who scored 91% (visit http://www.promasidor-ng.com
for details of the scores). We congratulate our Lions
and thank our excellent Mathematics teachers: Pa
Iriowen, Mr. Arhanmhunde and Mr. Okorie.
WE WELCOME A JESUIT TO THE STAFF BODY:
Joining us in May is an American Jesuit from
Detroit, Adam DeLeon SJ. He will teach in the CRS
department, work in the chaplaincy and will be in
charge of the students on Academic Probation. With
a passion for education and a strong desire to work
in Africa, he joins us from the Loyola University of
Chicago. Before entering the Jesuits, Mr. DeLeon
worked at St. George's College in Kingston, Jamaica.
While at St. George's he taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th
forms Religion, worked in campus ministry as retreat
coordinator, and coached rugby. He is also a product
of Jesuit secondary and university education.
2008-2009 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: Please see the
Academic Calendar page for next session. We would
like our parents to schedule accordingly their children’s medical check-up, holiday trips and other personal engagements. Plan ahead to avoid requests for
out-of-school permission.
MATTERS OF MONEY: At the end of last term, our
Accounts Department issued letters stating each student’s account balance. The stated amounts included
the fee for Extension Classes, invoiced against all
JSS-3 and SS-3 students. For other account queries,
please contact the Accounts Secretary by e-mail:
[email protected]
Announcements
LJC WINS U.S. EMBASSY ESSAY CONTEST:
On Wednesday the 9th of April 2008, Mr. Clement
Chukwudifu and Mr. Gabriel Egudu were proud to
accompany our three students who represented
LJC at the Essay Writing Competition organized
by the Education Advisory Centre (EAC) of the
United States Embassy. The topic for the Essay
Competition is “An Art or Writing of a Woman that
Inspired me”. The competition was nation-wide.
The three LJC students who participated in the
competition are: Paula Omiyi, Nkiru Anizoba and
Tolu Oniyangi. At the Award Ceremony, the Director of EAC announced the winners:
Loyola Jesuit College came first, with our Health
Prefect Tolu Oniyangi receiving the First Prize
Certificate, some books, a cash sum of US$210.00,
plus free membership of the EAC.
Nkiru Anizoba came third (receiving the EAC Second Prize Certificate, some books and US$50.00),
while Paula’s Essay was highly commended.
Government Seconday School, Kuje, was second,
while a consolation prize was given to the fourth
place—Regina Pacis.
WE WELCOME ANOTHER DOCTOR TO THE
STAFF BODY: Joining us on Resumption Day
(13th April 2008) is Dr. Elizabeth Ugwuja, the first
medical officer to be employed as a full–time staff
of Loyola Jesuit College. As we welcome you back
to the Den, please kindly welcome Mrs. Ugwuja.
LJC GATES CLOSES AT 6:00PM ON EVERY RESUMPTION: As from next term, the LJC entrances
will be locked by 6:00pm on every resumption.
Students/parents who return to school later than
6:00PM will be turned back at the gate.
AUTHORIZATION TO PICK UP STUDENTS:
Last vacation, some of our parents gave authorization to chaperons whom their children did not recognize. Heaven helps those who help themselves.
2
Announcements
WE WELCOME A SEASONED LANGUAGE TEACHER TO OUR STAFF BODY: Joining us at the
beginning of this Term is Dr. Felix Amoah, a Ghanaian. Dr. Amoah studied at the University of
Bremen in Germany, where he obtained his B.A. and M.A. degrees in English/American and Roman
Languages (French and Spanish), Literatures and Civilizations. He was later admitted to doctoral
studies at the University of Sorbonne in Paris, where he received his Doctorate degree in General
and Comparative Literature, specializing in Francophone Literature. Since October 2000, Dr.
Amoah has taught French and German Languages at the Central University College in Accra and
Ghana Institute of Languages (in Accra and Kumasi). At the invitation of the LJC Principal, he
joins us from the University of Zimbabwe where he has been lecturing since May 2005—in the Department of Modern Languages.
RELEASE OF NECO, JSCE AND SSCE: The story has always been “NECO does not give certificates….” The National Examination Council has recently announced the release of the JSCE and
SSCE certificates for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. LJC presented candidates for all the above
years. However, all our ex-students who took those examinations secured university admissions
using their WAEC or Cambridge certificates. Would they ever return to pick-up their NECO certificates? That question is crucial because all schools are required to pay for each student’s certificate
for the last five years. In fact, we have decided to make the payment and hope our former students
would come for those certificates. Please, help spread the word to all LJC alumni around the globe!
SIGN IN ADMIN BUILDING: The first letter came off the first word of the inscription at the
entrance to our admin building, leaving a sharp glass edge. The Maintenance Director therefore
took off the entire word, pending availability of the material required for the repairs. Meanwhile,
the inscription reads “Administrative Centre”.
MORE MEDICAL MATTERS: Any student who went home for medical reasons whatsoever or who
received treatment during the holidays and requires a follow-up should submit a medical report to
the LJC clinic at resumption. All medication in whatever form must be submitted to the clinic staff
on arrival at school—students are not allowed to keep medication in their hostels. Any medication
confiscated from students are never returned. All students are served with chewable multivitamin
tablets; hence no student is required to bring any multivitamin or dietary supplement to school
(except for special cases with clear medical reports from the doctor). If they do, it would be confiscated. Parents should desist from the practice of giving their wards medication (‘to swallow on the
spot’) during Visiting Days (such as Camoquine, Fansidar etc); such practices could lead to a variety of complications. Parents who wish to know the health status of their wards should see the nurse
on duty on visiting days, or at resumption, for proper information. Parents should also be aware that
all students are de-wormed every term; hence there is no need to de-worm your ward at home.
S. A. T. EXAMINATIONS: Parents of the present SS-2 students should start discussing this exam
with their children, viz: the type [SAT 1 or SAT 2], dates [November/December, 2008 or January
2009], the fees and identification documents [International Passport].
3
Announcements
Announcements
MAPLE EDUCATION CANADA INC: Maple
Education has written to inform us that the LJC
graduates (Molokwu Chkwunonso, Uzondu
Chima, Uzondu Chinwe, Tukeni Obasi; to mention a few) who participated in the Maple University Foundation Program are doing very well in
their academics at the various Maple affiliated
institutions in Canada. Maple would like more
LJC students to take part in the program.
SATURDAY SERVICE PROGRAMME: It could
be said that a girl/boy who espouses the values of
hard work and dedication may become the erudite scholar or, better still, the woman or man of
Announcements
PARENTS AND PTA MEETINGS: All LJC parents
have an obligation to their local PTAs, to attend
meetings and contribute in the school-parent partnership of grooming future leaders. Below are the
new officers elected at the last meeting of the
Abuja PTA held on the 15th of March 2008:
Chairperson:
Vice Chairperson:
Mrs. Majiro Ahaneku
Mr. Amby Nwogu
Assistant Secretary: Mrs. Lois Juma
Social Secretary:
Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo
Financial Secretary: Dr. Mrs. Regina Morgan
The Secretary and the Treasurer retained their po-
noble integrity of tomorrow. The service program
sitions, as they had not completed their terms. We
thank the out-going officers for their generous
has been on a race to keep our children from the
commitment and assure the new officers of our
village abreast with the academic standards that
are commensurate with their ages/grades. Every
support and prayers. The next meeting of the
Abuja PTA is Saturday the 26th of April 2008 at
Saturday, children from Gidan-Mangoro and the
4:00PM. The venue is the Divine Mercy Secondary
neighbouring villages troop into LJC at 11 am for
classes. Presently, about 80 children show up at
School on Jimmy Carter Street in Asokoro, Abuja.
the school’s gate every Saturday. There is no
S. A. T. RESULTS: The results of all the SAT [I &
gainsaying that the generosity of the LJC stu-
2] exams taken by our present SS–3 Students have
dents who volunteer to tutor these children remains invaluable. On the 8th of March, the ser-
been released. In SAT-I, Charles Oluwunmi had
the highest score of 2290/2400. Chinedu Abua
vice program ended its second term with a prize
scored 2270/ 2400, while Tikue Anazodo scored
giving ceremony. The end of term examination
was written and graded on the same day. Out-
2190/2400 to place third. Nine other LJC students
standing students from each class smiled home
scored above 2000.
In SAT-2, Chidubem Ezeaka had a near-perfect
with prizes ranging from wristwatches to books.
score of 800/800; 800/ 800; 770/800. Chidubem
Master Jacob Samuel emerged as the overall best
student of the term, while miss Tolu Oniyangi
therefore has the highest score of 2370/2400. Tikue
Anazodo scored 2290/2400 to place second, while
(SS-2 Lioness) won the teacher of the term award.
Mitchel Arene and Osazuwa Oriaki each scored
2260/2400 to tie in the third position. Twelve other
SERVICE PROGRAMME OUTING: On the 13th
LJC students scored above the 2000 mark in SAT-2.
March 2008, in the spirit of ‘Service of God and
Generally, the students’ performances in these ex-
Others’, members of the LJC Service Program
aminations are very good. Despite the excellent
had a time out with the kids of the Abuja Children’s Home. The funfair was simply splendid!
score achieved by Chidubem Ezeaka, we continue
to remember the all time greats like Greg Ugwi,
As we look forward to next term, we pray that the
Akoni and Eruchalu—who produced the perfect
Lord of the harvest will turn our little efforts into
ripples of joy and success in the lives of the poor
score! Meanwhile, parents of the present SS 2 students are reminded to start discussing these exami-
children we serve.
nations with their children viz: the type [SAT 1 &
2], dates [November/December].
4
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION 2008: This year’s Entrance Exam was very competitive. Written
simultaneously in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, England, Holland and the United States, about 2,000 candidates
(including 12 siblings of some of our 60 Angels) sat for the three papers: Math, English and Aptitude Test.
Of those candidates, 183 of them scored the required average for admission into LJC, but we do not have
the classrooms nor hostels to admit all of them. We intend to admit only about 100 of those children.
Please, help us build Jesuit Memorial College (JMC) in Port Harcourt, to enable us give Jesuit education
to more Nigerian children. We thank the Lagos and Port Harcourt PTA whose assistance helped to make
this year’s Entrance Exam the most organized in the history of LJC. The successful candidates who wrote
the exam in the USA will be interviewed in New York. Any other successful overseas candidate must
come to Loyola Jesuit College Abuja for the scheduled interview.
WAEC 2008 IN PROGRESS
The Principal’s Favorite Subject: Fr. J-O and the Home Economics students during the WAEC practical exam on April 4th 2008
MAY HE REST IN PEACE: Join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Mr. Ishaya Gagbe, our tractor
driver killed at his home by unknown person(s) on the night of 23rd March 2008. Let us also remember his
wife and children in our prayers. Through the police unit of our Security Department, investigations have
begun into finding the killer(s) of Mr. Ishaya—a gentleman.
J A. M. B. EXAMINATION: This year’s JAMB examination has been scheduled for Saturday the 17th of
May. Our students have been slated to write this exam in nineteen different centers within and outside
Abuja. Some of the centers are in Bwari, Gwagwalada, Zuba and Abaji—almost in Kogi State.
TOEFL TESTS: The result of the February 8th Test has been released. Deanabasi Essien scored 112/ 120, which
is the highest of the results so far released for our SS–3 students who sat for the examination.
5
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE THREE ANGELS IN PICTURES
14TH MARCH 2008
6
GRATITUDE TO OUR GENEROUS BENEFACTORS: On behalf of the entire LJC community
(parents, staff and students) I have expressed our
MAN 'O' WAR : This year’s Citizenship & Leadership Training programme for our current SS-1 students will be at Mountain School in Shere Hills,
profound gratitude to Mr. Bernard Menkhaus for
Jos, Plateau State. The exercise is scheduled to
the gift of $50, 000 (fifty thousand US Dollars) he
recently donated to our college. May God bless
last for two weeks from the date of departure. The
Mr. Menkhaus for his support of Loyola Jesuit
College and the further development of education
students will leave LJC in the morning of Saturday
the 19th of July and will return on the 2nd of Au-
in Nigeria. We also thank Mr. and Mrs. Akaraiwe
for their generous gift of a 22-volume World Book
gust at about 2:00 PM. Parents should make ar-
encyclopedia to our library. May God bless them
either the 2nd or the 3rd of August. The school
for their commitment to building up our children.
We will continue to remember in our prayers
other benefactors who make our work possible.
rangements for flights or other form of travel on
will transport students to the airport if needed.
Students must bring ONLY the following items to
the programme:
‘I MUST BRUSH MY TEETH MYSELF’: On the
13th of March 2008, a team of dentists were
(1) Sportswear (trainers, jeans, joggers)
(2) A traditional and a ‘social’ wear (for News
brought in, as part of our end-of-term pro-
Casting, for Mass, etc).
gramme, from Calens Dental Centre, to teach our
children how to brush properly. Dr. Ken of the
(3) Warm clothing, bed sheets and a blanket
same clinic led the team of dentists through the
(4) Bucket and other basic personal effects
exercise. We are grateful to our clinic staff who
helped to ensure that the exercise was smoothly
organized.
(5) Stationery and toiletries
(6) A school bag
(7) Utensils, cutleries and drinking cups
JUNE/JULY CAMBRIDGE REGISTRATION: A
total of 17 SS-3 students registered for the examination. The Council has made available the candidates’ individual time–table for the exam.
(8) Any other item specifically approved by the
school authority
Any other item that is not listed above
would be considered contraband. Please note that
OFF:
students are not allowed to bring any box or have
1, 305 meters stretch of chain-link has been lined
any cash with them during this training exercise.
up in concrete to ward-off the staff residential
quarters from the rest of the school. A new gate-
All school rules should strictly be observed in the
RESIDENTIAL
QUARTERS
FENCED
house at the beginning of the chain-link fence is
now the only access to/fro our main campus and
the staff quarters. (By the way, the Lions and Li-
camp. All necessary payments for the programme
must be made in advance at LJC. The total cost
per student is N25, 700. That amount includes the
onesses are NOT allowed into the residential
Shere Hills tuition (N14,000) for the programme,
quarters, including the Sisters convent and the
feeding, daily allowance, transportation to and
Jesuit Residence—unless for Class Masses.)
Clearly, no domesticated animal (chickens, dogs
etc) can now come into the school from the residential area.
from Jos, and miscellaneous expenses. The theme
of the training is "Teenage Leadership Responsibilities and Challenges." Deadline for payment is
April 22nd, 2008.
7
RESUMPTION DAY PROCEDURE: Beginning this term, our parents will be allowed to drive into the
school compound on resumption day. Parents, you are to drive in with your children up to the front of the
dining hall. Your wards would alight with their luggage and proceed into the dining hall for check-in. You
would then drive out of that restricted zone. The security men would be posted at the dining hall to assist
the children, where necessary, with their luggage. The security men will also inform parents (those not
leaving the school immediately after their children alight in front of the dining hall) of our parking arrangement. Please, cooperate with the security personnel.
NOTE: Parents are not to enter the dining hall with their wards, as any pending accounts issue should be
cleared inside the admin building—preferably in advance. There will be restricted zones into which no
parent is allowed after having dropped off the child and beyond which no student should go after check-in.
The restricted zone will be enforced through the use of barricades that ward off the hostels and classroom
areas, as required. If you wish to spend some time with your child after check-in, we have made provision
for you at the Picnic Ground. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
AIR TRAVEL UPDATE: Since the December 10th plane crash, we have tried to see that our children are
not placed on any one Airline. On the last vacation day, 15th of March 2008, 30 LJC students flew with
Aero, some with Arik and most with Virgin. The decision of which airline to fly must be made by the parents. Our children are also not placed on any one flight. Although most of our Lagos children use Virgin
Nigeria, the airline is presently operating seven shuttle flights from Abuja to Lagos and Lagos to Abuja on a
daily basis. The airline places our children in groups of 25’s on different flights with siblings placed on different flights. If the PTA is not involved and the children do not have the benefit of group bookings, parents will have to pay between NGN28, 000 and NGN38, 000 for return tickets instead of the NGN 20,500
we currently enjoy. To avoid relying on any one airline, we would like our parents in the position of negotiating for good rates with other airlines to please do.
SACRAMENTS: During the month of May, some among the Pride will receive the sacraments of Baptism,
Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at the LJC School Chapel. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Sunday, the 4th of May 2008 (at 10:00AM) while the sacrament of Confirmation
will be celebrated by Rev. Dr John Onaiyekan on Saturday May 17th at 4PM. Parents of students receiving
these sacraments are welcome to join us in these important and joyful celebrations.
BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR VISITING DAY AND NUMBER OF VISITORS: For security and other reasons,
we would like to remind our parents that we only expect to see them on their specific visiting day, namely,
A & C visiting parents or B, D & E parents on their specific days. The school’s policy is that each student is
limited to five visitors. Should you require a change in your visiting day or intend to bring a large number
of guests (more than five persons) to the school on a visiting day, please obtain the required permission
from the Principal. As always, his consent should be received in writing to be shown at the security post.
COMMISSIONING OF THE TENNIS COURTS : Our four new tennis courts will be commissioned on
Sunday the 13th of April 200
8
THE
LJC 3rd
TERM CALENDAR
(Please verify with each edition of the
Newsletter, as some dates may change)
3rd TERM: March 30 – JULY 24, 2008
JS-3 & SS-3 Resume (Extension Classes)
March 30
WAEC Examination
March 31—May 27
List of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates published on-line
April 1
Interview of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates
April 11-12
JS-1, JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume
April 13
Commissioning of New Tennis Courts
April 13
Classes Begin
April 14
Mock JSCE
April 14
Interview of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates
April 18-19
Interview of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates
April 25-26
Publication of Final Entrance list into LJC
May 1
Workers Day
May 1
(No Classes)
Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist
May 4
(10:00 AM)
First Continuous Assessment
May 7-9
Sacrament of Confirmation
May 17
A & C Classes Visiting Day
May 18
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
May 25
Children’s Day
May 27
(No Classes)
JSS-3 Leave for Vacation
TBA
(Pending NECO Timetable)
Cultural Day
June 12
(Begins after 12:00 Noon)
Second Continuous Assessment
June 11-13
A & C Classes Visiting Day
June 22
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
June 29
End of Term Examinations
July 7-15
Graduation
July 13
End of Term Activities
July 16-18
Third Term Ends: Students leave
July 19
Leadership Program in Jos for SS-1 Students
July 19—August 2
Jesuit Priestly Ordination
July 26 (All Loyola Parents and Friends Invited)
Registration of new students
July 28-29
Service Program for SS-2 Students
July 30-August 21
(As 12:00 Noon)
(4:00 PM)
9
Academic Year 2008–2009
Please verify with each edition of the
Newsletter, as some dates may change
1ST TERM: SEPTEMBER 8- DECEMBER 20, 2008
Entrance Exam Forms Activated On-line
September 1 to December 1
Workshop for Non-Academic Staff
September 2-3
Retreat and Faculty Meetings for Academic Staff
September 4-6
JS-1 and Prefects Resume
September 7
Orientation for JS-1
September 8-11
JS-3 and SS-3 Resume
September 12
JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume
September 13
Mass of Welcome
September 14
Classes Begin
September 15
Independence Day and Memorial of Soala Ben-Kalio
October 1
Mass of the Holy Spirit, Annual Academic Awards, Agape Lunch
October 12 (All Loyola Parents Invited)
First Continuous Assessment
October 15-17
A & C Classes Visiting Day
October 26
All Saints Day (All-House Feast Day)
November 1
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
November 2
Second Continuous Assessment
November 19-21
Annual Loyola Jesuit College Drama (In memory of our 60 Angels) December 6 (All Loyola Parents Invited)
Memorial Mass and Procession for the Sixty Angels
December 10
End of Term Examinations
December 12-17
End of Term Activities
December 17-19
First Term Ends: Students leave for vacation
December 20
Kairos Retreat
December 20-23
Deadline for Registration of Entrance Exam Forms
December 31
2nd TERM: JANUARY 8 – APRIL 3, 2009
Faculty Workshop
January 4-7
JS-1, JS-3 and SS-3 Resume
January 8
JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume
January 9
First Continuous Assessment
February 4-6
Entrance Examination
February 7
A & C Classes Visiting Day
February 15
Inter-House Sports Day (All LJC Parents invited)
February 21
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
February 22
List of Successful Entrance Exam Candidates published on-line
March 1
Second Continuous Assessment
March 4-6
Three Angels Memorial
March 14
A & C Classes Visiting Day
March 15
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
March 22
Mock SSCE begins
March 25-31
End of Term Examinations
March 25-31
Publication of Final Entrance list into LJC
April 1
End of Term Activities
April 1-3
Second Term Ends: Students leave
April 4
Kairos Retreat
April 4 to 8
3rd TERM: APRIL 25 – JULY 20, 2009
JS-3 & SS-3 Resume (Extension Classes)
April 13
JS-1, JS-2, SS-1 and SS-2 Resume
April 25
Mock JSCE
April 27
First Continuous Assessment
May 6-8
A & C Classes Visiting Day
May 17
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
May 24
Children’s Day
May 27
JSS-3 Leave for Vacation
Pending NECO timetable
Cultural Day
June 12
Second Continuous Assessment
June 17-19
A & C Classes Visiting Day
June 28
B, D & E Classes Visiting Day
July 5
End of Term Examinations
July 10-16
End of Term Activities
July 16-18
Graduation
July 19
Third Term Ends: Students leave
July 20
SS-1 Leadership Program in Jos
July 20
Registration of new students
July 25-26
Service Program for SS-2 Students
July 30-August 21
10
FR. JOHN-OKORIA IBHAKEWANLAN SJ
PEACE UPON OUR KENYAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS
We welcome all our staff and students with the joy and peace of the Easter season. We are grateful for the relative peace we enjoy in our country and the perfect tranquility that continues to
characterize Loyola Jesuit College. Unfortunately, that is not the case for our friends in Kenya.
Last term, at our School Assembly, we announced that LJC would support the work of our Jesuit
brothers promoting peace in Kenya. In addition to the meager dollar donation we made towards
the printing of the Prayer Postcards for Peace, we have constantly prayed for a return of peace to
Kenya—a country that is home to many Catholic educational institutions, including the Catholic
University of Eastern Africa and the Jesuit School of Theology in Nairobi.
We thank God that our Kenyan brothers and sisters celebrated Easter in an atmosphere of relative peace. Yet, we are aware that the implementation of the power-sharing deal hit a snag: the
two parties unable to agree on who gets what ministerial portfolio and how many ministers
should make up the cabinet. The danger is that the need of ordinary Kenyans for justice, resettlement, healing, reconciliation, and humanitarian assistance, would be pushed aside in favour of
the politicians’ schemes to reward themselves with plum positions in government.
Hence the struggle continues. Recently, our Jesuit brothers got a call from the office of the
Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly, Hon. Kenneth Marende, requesting that the Prayer
Postcards for Peace be delivered to the parliament. Immediately, 250 of the Postcards were sent
and were distributed to the MPs by the Personal Assistant to the Speaker. President Mwai Kibaki, Prime Minster Designate Raila Odinga, and all the key players in the post-election debacle
are elected MPs. So, we believe that the message of peace – the focus of the Campaign launched
last Lent by our Jesuit brothers in Nairobi– reached the corridors of power.
The Prayer Postcard for Peace reached other unexpected places. They have been seen in barbers’
shops and in matatus (local mass transit buses). The Prayer Postcards for Peace has also been
translated into two Kenyan languages, Akamba and Pokot, for use in some areas where Swahili is
not spoken. One of the Jesuits was approached by an Imam who wanted 1,000 postcards for his
and two neighbouring mosques. Said the Imam: “I don’t know if you Catholics are praying it, but
we’ll receive it from you and we’ll pray it!” The Jesuit campaign to restore peace in Kenya
through prayers and consciousness-raising will not be ending soon. As the Jesuits in Kenya continue to conduct workshops for peace activists, we will continue our prayerful support for this
Peace Campaign. Surely, the meager but prayerful contribution from LJC will not be in vain.
11