Introduction
St. Bernard Special School, located in Kibaha, Tanzania, is a mission of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS). Since arriving in Tanzania in 2009, our missionaries have actively served both in parish life and charitable outreach. In 2017, we launched this school with only seven children with disabilities. Today, we serve 25 children, though the need is far greater.
Only 1% of children with special needs in Tanzania are currently enrolled in school. For years, we have operated from a rented facility, but that arrangement has ended, and we are now in urgent need of relocating to land we have purchased. This project seeks financial assistance for building a permanent, purpose-built school.
Mission and Vision
Our aim is simple yet profound: to uplift disabled children from impoverished families, giving them a safe and loving place to learn, grow, and thrive. We focus on:
Early intervention for children with intellectual or physical disabilities
Daily education, therapy, and life skills
Ensuring long-term care and inclusion for a deeply marginalized population
Location
The school is located in Kibaha, within the Dar es Salaam region—an area with one of the lowest special needs enrollment rates in the country (just 0.7%). The new land is in the same area, maintaining access to families we already serve.
Timeline
Once funds are secured, construction can be completed within six months.
Legal and Religious Oversight
The project is legally overseen by:
Rev. Fr. Shaji Kochupurayil, MCBS
Provincial Superior, MCBS Emmaus Province
Kottayam, Kerala, India
The Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS), established in 1933, is a Catholic religious congregation committed to serving the poor, sick, elderly, and marginalized—without discrimination of race, religion, or background.
Why This Project Matters
Children with disabilities in Tanzania face immense challenges—poverty, neglect, and often complete exclusion from education. St. Bernard Special School has been a refuge, and with your help, we can expand that refuge to many more.
A new building will:
Provide specialized therapy and learning spaces
Increase our capacity to serve children aged 5–24
Offer dignity, care, and purpose to the forgotten
Project Components
📚 Study Room – for foundational education
🧍🏽♂️ Physiotherapy Room – for daily rehabilitation
🔧 Occupational Therapy Room – for skill development
🍽️ Dining Room & Kitchen – for nutrition and community
🚻 Inclusive Toilets – for hygiene and accessibility
🏢 Administrative Block – for coordination and care
Financial Plan
Request from Caritas Veritate $74,351
Reporting and Accountability
We will provide:
All original bills and receipts
Photographs and updates of the construction
A full completion report once the school is operational
We are fully committed to transparency and integrity in the stewardship of these funds.
Conclusion
More than 10 million children with disabilities are out of school in Africa. At St. Bernard Special School, we’re doing what we can—one child at a time. Your support can help us build a permanent home for these children where Christ’s mercy becomes visible and tangible.
We welcome your partnership in this mission. Together, let us build the Kingdom of God on earth—by lifting up those the world has forgotten.
🙏 With prayers and gratitude,
Fr. Lijeesh Varghese, MCBS
Mission Superior
MCBS African Mission – Tanzania