Fr. Constantine was on a missionary trip to raise funds for projects undertaken by the Catholic Church in Tanzania. One of these crucial projects involves drilling wells in areas with limited access to water. During Mass, he explained that women and children often have to walk up to 45 minutes to reach water sources, then carry the heavy loads back. This arduous task is not only exhausting but also poses significant safety risks, as women are vulnerable to assaults during these journeys. The new wells will provide safe and clean water for many rural villages, alleviating these burdens.
Another important initiative is the establishment of schools. Fr. Constantine shared that government-funded schools in Tanzania often fail to provide a quality education, leaving children ill-prepared for college. Currently, there is only one Catholic school in Tanzania, accessible primarily to the wealthy. The funds raised during his mission will help build and support additional schools for children from less affluent families.
These schools will cater to children from Kindergarten through age twenty-one and will operate as boarding schools. This arrangement allows students to focus on their studies and schoolwork beyond regular school hours, free from the domestic chores that typically take precedence in Tanzanian households.
Fr. Constantine emphasized that the economy in Tanzania is weaker compared to the United States, making the funds raised here significantly impactful for these Catholic projects in his country.