By Sr. Aretha Ngoma
Ndola CNCS Hub
The Franciscan Missionary Sisters have officially opened Maria Degli Angeli Girls Convent School in Luanshya, with the Archdiocese of Ndola describing the institution as an important step in advancing Catholic education and the formation of future leaders.
Speaking on behalf of Archbishop of Ndola, Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Phiri, Fr. Ephraim Mulenga said Catholic education plays a vital role in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.
“A Catholic school is a place where faith and reason walk together; where knowledge is enlightened by the Gospel; and where learners are prepared not only for careers but also for lives of service and holiness,” he said.
Fr. Mulenga said Catholic education seeks to form the mind, heart and soul of learners while promoting moral values and faith.
He added that Zambia needs Catholic education now more than ever to nurture ethical leaders guided by integrity, compassion and respect for human dignity.
Fr. Mulenga commended the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for their vision, sacrifice and dedication in establishing the school, saying their contribution to education, charity and rehabilitation has transformed lives and brought hope to many families.
And Provincial Superior of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Zambia, Kenya and Malawi, Sr. Annie Mwimbe, thanked Misio Invest for its financial support towards the project.
“Your commitment to education and community upliftment has borne fruit in our institution,” Sr. Mwimbe said.
She also thanked Misio Invest Country Manager for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, Frank Mambala, for representing the organisation at the event.
Meanwhile, Maria Degli Angeli Convent School teacher Siphiwe Malambo described the official opening of the school as a major achievement for the Franciscan Sisters and a symbol of the institution’s growth.
“We started Maria Degli Angeli from scratch and were accommodated at Dagama Special School for both classes and dormitories. Having moved to Maria Degli Angeli, we now have our own space and our learners are free and comfortable in their own environment,” she said.
Ms. Malambo encouraged parents to enrol their children at the school, saying learners receive both academic and spiritual formation.
“Once a child comes to Maria Degli Angeli, they do not leave the same,” she said.
And Form Two pupil Costecia Santucci, one of the school’s first learners, described the opening as a significant achievement.
“Maria Degli Angeli has taught us to grow religiously, become independent and grow academically,” she said.
Ms. Santucci thanked the school administration for its support and urged it to continue guiding and educating more children.