Knights of Columbus, Maryland State CouncilPeter Davio, State Deputy
"Maria, fac nos semper scire"
Knights of Columbus, Maryland State Council
The first principle of the Knights of Columbus is Charity. In the two years of the Davio Administration, this page will highlight the charitable work of Maryland Knights beyond our nation's borders. Councils are encouraged to share their experiences by submitting stories and photos to MDKCwebsiteInputs@gmail.com
Columbia Council
(#7559) Assisting Tanzanian Medical Clinic
The Tanzanian Children’s Project (TCP) is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation established by K of C Columbia Council 7559 in Columbia, Maryland. Its purpose is to raise funds for the development of the Our Lady of Fatima Center for Children (OLFCC) in partnership with the Moshi Diocese located in North Eastern Tanzania.
The
project was first conceived in 2006 by Father Emmanuel Ndekusara Lyimo, parish
priest of the Mahida parish, to assist over 700 children orphaned due to the
HIV/AIDS pandemic that has ravaged sub-Saharan Africa. Through his friendship
with a parishioner at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church where Council 7559
meets, Fr. Emmanuel sought and received our assistance to raise money for the
Children’s Center.
The Children’s Center is on land donated to the diocese by the government and its goals are to provide housing for orphans, health care for the local community, a source of clean water, and guaranteed education for all children of the community. The OLFCC compound will consist of several projects including a medical clinic, several orphan homes, a Catholic primary school including administration building and housing for staff and volunteers, and water well. The Malowa Medical Clinic is presently under construction and when completed, will serve more than 10,000 people who live in eight villages that comprise the Mahida parish. As of September, 2011 the clinic more than half way to completion. The total cost of the clinic is estimated to be between $45,000 and $50,000. Council 7559 set a goal to complete construction by Christmas 2011.
Mahida is located in the Rombo district and stretches from a reserve at 1800-2000 meters above sea-level to the Kenyan border at 900-1000 meters above sea-level and is situated on the Eastern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. The region is rural, isolated due to an underdeveloped road system, and without adequate employment opportunities. Most people are farmers and the majority of them live in poverty getting by on as little a one dollar a day.
If your council would like to participate in this project please contact Timothy Lynch, president of the Tanzanian Children’s Project at info@tanzaniakids.org .
Thank you for your charitable service, Brother Knights!
