Maria Ratschitz

Our first visit to Maria Ratschitz was in 2005.
We returned again in 2006.








Maria Ratschitz is one of four convents operated by the Nardini Sisters in South Africa. It is located in a very rural area near a town called "Ladysmith."

Maria Ratschitz is more than 100 years old. During the apartheid years, the facility had deteriorated. But in the early 1990's, the buildings were rennovated (funded by a private donation from overseas.)

The sisters at Maria Ratschitz are doctors, nurses and social workers. They work to help those in need throughout the surrounding community. They also operate a hospice where those who are dying, usually of AIDS, have the support they need until the end.

Those who visit this beautiful compound cannot help but feel a tremendous sense of peace.

Hope

In 2006, we returned to Velangaye High School.





When we arrived, we met with Ngogi Mahaye, the principal, the Student Parliament, and Felix Coby, one of the teachers.

The members of the Student Parliament greeted us and talked about the partnership we had formed with their school. They told us that things were changing... that there was a new found sense of hope. They credited The Africa Project for this change.

Next, the students presented their school logo, which they had worked together to create. They explained the meaning of each and every symbol represented in the design. It was clear that much thought had gone in to it.
They shared their goals for the school. Some even shared their plans for their own futures.
Peggy, Marcella, Gabe, Gail and Stan Richards, and later the Antenore's all had a chance to meet with the students. Several of us had the opportunity to work with them on various projects during our stay.

We were all so impressed by these brilliant young leaders. We all knew that they were the hope for their community's future.