IBENGA GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL TOASTS DIAMOND JUBILEE
Right Reverand Benjamin Phiri, Catholic Bishop of Ndola Diocese has described Ibenga Girls Secondary School Diamond Jubilee celebration as victory of knowledge over ignorance as it has brought everyone closer to God.
Speaking during his homily, Bishop Phiri reminded all to take the celebration as an appraisal of all their achievements.
The diamond jubilee was celebrated under the theme “60 years of excellence in the light of Christ”.
He noted that the establishment of the school by the Missionaries was meant to help them develop themselves in the process of knowing God so that they could pass on the knowledge for the salvation of souls.
As we celebrate 60 years, we should evaluate ourselves if we have become better by relating well with others as God is in the neighbour. The children whom we train should be children pleasing to God. Someone may achieve academic education, become a great scientist talked about but if they do not know God, they are no better than the animal of the field. If we are able to relate better, then we are able to celebrate together.
Bishop Benjamin
And Bishop Phiri has encouraged the girls at Ibenga to remain focused on what made the school to be counted among the best schools in the country.
Many girls come from afar to learn at Ibenga, as it is counted among the most prestigious and best schools in the country. Therefore, work hard if you want to pass.
Bishop Benjamin
Meanwhile, Bishop Phiri has advised the modern parents to impart good values and practices which will help the girls contribute positively to society.
Nowadays, there are rights which children have which seem to obstruct any instruction of the child. Without any prejudice, God guides us and tells us what is right or wrong. True education is being able to know God. Christian education is paramount. Let us teach the children what God wants. Discipline, good behaviour by following what God wants will make the girls better citizens.
Bishop Benjamin
The celebration also acknowledged deserving people through the presentation of awards for distinguished service to the school during the period of its existence. Among those awarded were the late Bishop Francis Mazzierri posthumously the founder of the school and the first Head Mistress Sr. De Pace of the Dominican sisters and all past administrators. The representatives of the past managing agencies and heads in the three orders were acknowledged.
Other notable awards went to the Alumni Chairperson Mrs. Joyce Chibuye for her unmatched commitment and one Ibenga girl who designed the diamond jubilee Chitenge.
The school which is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Ndola was opened in 1963 by the Dominican sisters. The sisters worked until 1994 when they handed over the school to the Franciscan missionary sisters of Assisi. The sisters ran the school till 2020 when the Daughters of the Redeemer took over.
