SHALOM SCHOOL ~ an update

In a recent article, Friends of Kenyan Orphans introduced Father Francis Gaciata and Shalom School.  This article provides more information and background on the school and Father's work there.

During the British occupation of Kenya, Mitunguu was as bustling area with large cotton and tobacco farms. Kenyans flocked to this area to work in these fields. However, when the British left, they also took all the important information and technology with them leaving thousands of Kenyans unemployed. Overnight, Mitunguu moved from being a successful town into a depressed slum. 

In 2006, the Bishop of the Diocese of Meru, Kenya appointed Father Francis Gaciata as the pastor of St. Francis Assisi Parish in Mitunguu. He was excited because this was his first opportunity to be a pastor. He had received his seminary training in Rome, Italy and was immediately assigned to teach in the diocesan seminary. When he arrived in Mituungu he was shocked at what he discovered including infanticide, which was a common practice. 

Father Gaciata told Bishop Mugambi, “We must make a statement by our actions. We must show we value the life of these of these children.” Bishop Mugambi supported Father Gaciata and, with the initial financial support from his classmates and friends in Italy, Fr. Gaciata built a school for abandoned children. Shalom School was born. Today Shalom School is home and school to 240 children. With the new dormitory Father has requested, he will be able to welcome 100 more children. 

Friends of Kenyan Orphans is proud to support this mission. Clearly Shalom School and Fr. Gaciata are slowly transforming Mitunguu. It is rising from the ashes of despair and becoming a town with hope and a future.