The grounds of Benga Mission came alive with vibrant performances, powerful messages and a joyful community spirit as more than 400 attendees gathered for the much anticipated Tiyamike Talent Show. This event, held on April 25, showcased the talents of 75 children divided into five groups, each representing a house.

Each house was challenged to creatively explore and present a specific theme through drama, song, dance, and poetry. The themes : Love, Environment, Poverty, Economics, and Gender were not only timely but also deeply resonant, offering the young participants an opportunity to engage with pressing social issues through performance.

“The children poured their hearts into their acts,” said one of the event organizers. “It was inspiring to see them express such complex topics with passion and creativity.”

The audience was treated to stirring performances ranging from a moving skit about environmental conservation to a thought provoking poem on gender equality. The children demonstrated not only their artistic abilities but also their understanding of the challenges their communities face.

The event culminated in a lively raffle draw, adding an extra layer of excitement. Prizes included an African wrapper, flour, sugar, soap, and honey, items that brought smiles to the lucky winners and underscored the spirit of sharing.

The Tiyamike Talent Show proved once again to be more than just a performance stage — it was a platform for education, empowerment, and unity. Organizers hope to continue holding the event in the coming years, reinforcing the belief that when children are given a voice, they can speak powerfully for change.

By Laurent Tsamba

Junior Apprentice MCSPA

Malawi

In a heartwarming display of environmental care, students from four different schools have dedicated a portion of their holiday break to cleaning up plastic waste at Nyangatom Mission in a united effort to protect the planet.

The initiative saw a significant amount of plastic waste collected and properly disposed of, making a visible difference in the mission grounds and surrounding areas. The students from Nyangatom, studying in Lobur, Kibish, Todonyang and Lodwar, independently organized the cleanup after connecting through a shared interest in environmental conservation. Recognizing the extensive issue of plastic pollution and its harmful impact on ecosystems, they chose Nyangatom Mission as their initial target.

The enthusiastic students worked tirelessly, collecting discarded plastic waste that had accumulated on the mission grounds. Their efforts raised awareness among the local community about the importance of proper waste management and the dangers of plastic pollution.

“We learned about the devastating effects of plastic on life and the land in our environmental science classes, and we felt we couldn’t just sit back during our holidays. Taking action, even in a small way, is crucial to saving our planet.” said the students. The students’ leader added, “It’s amazing to see what a group of determined young people can achieve. We hope our initiative inspires others, both students and adults, to take responsibility for their waste and participate in keeping our environment clean.”

Nyangatom Mission, run by MCSPA members, expressed their profound gratitude for the students’ initiative. “We are deeply moved by the dedication and hard work of these young environmental champions,” commented Fr. Angel Valdivia, the in-charge of the mission.

The students plan to continue their environmental efforts during their holidays and hope to establish a network of young environmental activists across Nyangatom. Their inspiring initiative also demonstrates the power of youth engagement in addressing critical environmental challenges.

Peter Sokakulo,

Junior Apprentice, MCSPA.

It was a joyful evening at the St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier Theological Formation House in Metro Manila. Fr. Andrew Yakulala, with the permission from Bishop John Mbinda, Bishop of Lodwar Diocese, presided over the mass for the conferral of the Minor Orders of Lector and Acolyte on Timothy Kaburu, Zackayo Jumba, Cosmus Onyango and Micheal Mwangi.

The mass was cocelebrated by Fr. Alex Campon and Fr. Francis Teo, formator and rector of the Manila House respectively.

Let us pray that the 4 lectors and acolytes may persevere in their vocation and dedication to the service of the Lord through His people.

By Dionisius Kandar and Innocent Phiri.

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Ciudad Bolívar, one of Bogotá’s largest and most densely populated localities, faces considerable challenges in terms of social and educational development. Many of its residents live in vulnerable conditions, highlighting the urgent need for programs that offer children and young people opportunities for holistic growth.

In response to this need, the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) collaborates with the Centro Fuente, run by the Teresian Sisters, to support extracurricular learning and values-based education. Thanks to this partnership, we have been able to work together for the benefit of the children in the area.

This initiative specifically supports children and adolescents in vulnerable situations in the Santa Viviana neighborhood of Ciudad Bolívar. A vital space is being created where, through a combination of academic support and values education, the skills and talents of each child and young person are cultivated. At the same time, a strong foundation of ethical and moral principles is built from an early age.

A wide range of activities is offered, including painting, music, math, and reading and writing support. Educational outings are also organized, providing new experiences and, most importantly, exposing the children to environments they might never have imagined possible.

Recently, we held a rap competition in which participants used music and lyrics to express complex emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. Their songs also explored themes of self-improvement, identity, respect, and empathy. By creating and listening to these lyrics, the young people developed a more critical and conscious understanding of the world around them.

Another favorite activity is painting. Many of the children come from challenging backgrounds and lack safe spaces to express their feelings. Painting offers them a non-verbal way to release emotions like fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger. It becomes a form of emotional cleansing. Creating something of their own—and seeing others value their work—greatly boosts their self-esteem and communication skills. It also helps them explore their identity, their origins, and how they see the world around them.

Afternoons at the Fuente Centre are filled with joy and laughter. It is a safe, welcoming space where children feel free to express themselves, where every voice is heard, and where everyone matters.

Alexia Moreno, MCSPA

Bogotá, Colombia

Today was a joyful day at St. Joseph of the Mountain Mother and Child Center as we came together to celebrate the blessing of our new multipurpose hall, St. Filipo Neri Hall! This new space will serve as a hub for parent formation, youth programs, and activities for street children, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing and empowering the community.

The celebration began with a special blessing by our parish priest, marking the hall as a place of growth, learning and community. In a symbolic moment of new beginnings, we cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating St. Filipo Neri Hall.

The event brought together over 100 people, including parents, youth, staff and supporters, all eager to witness and share in this special occasion. One of the highlights of the day was an engaging play performed by the Lions, illustrating the contrast between good and bad parenting —sparking thoughtful discussions among attendees.

Following the blessing and performances, we gathered to share a delicious meal, strengthening bonds and celebrating this new chapter for our center. And, as is traditional in Ethiopia, we ended the day with a coffee ceremony, a moment of gratitude for the blessings of community and progress.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who supported this initiative, and we look forward to seeing St. Filipo Neri Hall become a place of learning, growth, and transformation for the many children and families we serve.

By Amanda Falgas
Apprentice, MCSPA
Mizan Teferi, Ethiopia

#Community #Blessing #StFilipoNeriHall #YouthEmpowerment #ParentFormation #NewBeginnings #Ethiopia

MCSPA Members at Nariokome Mission, the Mother House of the Missionary Community of St Paul the Apostles (MCSPA), carry out different pastoral and human developmental programs in service to the local community in Turkana, northern Kenya. The county of Turkana is co-terminous with the Diocese of Lodwar.

In the semi-arid area of Turkana, water resource development has always been the first priority for further development. Hence, the missionaries constructed earth pans and rock dams, drilled boreholes and set up solar pumps to avail water for schools and the local community at large.

Since human beings need both physical and spiritual health, an integral development involving body, soul and mind, it has always been an important part of the MCSPA charism to take care of the sick, the vulnerable and the elderly. This is being actively done by the Nariokome Primary Health Care program with its 19 outstations covered by the mobile clinic. In addition, pastoral activities provide the sacraments and pastoral care to the inhabitants of 20 outstations, seeing to their spiritual nourishment and growth.

Thanks to the agricultural activities being carried out, vegetables and fruit are produced, cows and poultry are reared. As a result, more than 900 children in the primary schools, nurseries and feeding centres sround the mission are able to have milk, eggs and vegetables for their breakfast and lunch.

For more than 35 years the missionaries at Nariokotome Mission have been trying to enable children to obtain an education. This has been done through child sponsorship programs, improved education facilities, including staff houses for teacher, hiring teachers, providing food for both mission, mission-sponsored and government schools around the area. Furthermore, there has been active participation of sports activities between the children of St. Joseph’s Nariokotome Primary school and other schools around enhancing social interaction and strengthening friendship among the younger generation.

There is an African saying that goes, “Strong women don’t wait for doors to open – they build their own.” Different initiatives have been put in place to empower women. Among them are the small businesses involving bread and scone baking, pizza making as well as other local handcraft. This has created alternative job opportunities for women, so that they have alternative ways of earning an income instead of alcohol-brewing.

All these activities are being carried out in the area thanks to our benefactors, friends and families who support the missionaries in all ways.

By Lydia Imbala, MCSPA
Nariokome Mission [Kenya]

“Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.” Psalm 82:3

When war, ethnic clashes and natural disasters force families to flee their homes, children are often the hardest hit. Many lose access to education with their future hanging in uncertainty. But in the heart of our parish, Ave Maria Mission at Ngboko, something remarkable is happening. Amidst the struggles, a beacon of light has emerged: a small but determined school, built up from faith, compassion and an unshakable belief that every child deserves access to learning, and hope is being rebuilt – one classroom at a time.

Fr Avelino Bassols, MCSPA, the parish priest, saw the plight of displaced children arriving with their families from various parts of Tambura, Dingimo, Nagero, Gamunakpe, Mabaiku, Akpa, Modurumo, just to mention but a few of the tragedy-struck places. He knew that something had to be done. These young souls, already bearing the weight of trauma, needed more than just food and shelter; they needed a place to learn, grow and dream again.

With no proper school buildings available, the parish community sprang into action. Spaces that once served as church halls were quickly transformed into makeshift classrooms. Wooden benches were crafted, blackboards salvaged, old textbooks and few learning materials that the parish could get at the moment were availed. The search for volunteer teachers and also some trained ones, was no easy task.

Nonetheless, lessons began!!!

Despite the lack of proper infrastructure, the children’s enthusiasm to learn has been unstoppable. They gather each morning, eyes bright with anticipation, eager to grasp the knowledge that war and displacement tried to steal from them.

While the initiative has been a success, challenges remain. The classrooms are only temporary structures, teaching materials are scarce and more volunteers are needed. However, with faith and determination, the parish is working towards securing more permanent solutions, perhaps even a fully-fledged school in the future.

Currently, there are, at Ave Maria Mission, children originally from 8 affected primary schools from around who are being attended to by this small school.

What was started as a simple effort to help a few children has now become a symbol of resilience and love. In a world where displacement often means despair, this small school is proving that love, faith and education is not just a privilege, rather it is a right, a necessity, and above all a beacon of hope.

Through this small school, the parish is living out the words of Psalm 82:3 – defending the weak, uplifting the oppressed, and giving displaced children a chance to reclaim their future. It is more than a school. It is a promise that no matter the circumstances, the pursuit of knowledge and hope must never be abandoned.

by Benjamin Maketa, Junior Apprentice, MCSPA.
Ave Maria Mission (South Sudan)

“BE A GIRL, BE A LIGHT”, was the theme of the gathering we had in Loropio last weekend with girls between 14 and 17 years old from the communities of Riokomor and Kokuselei. Our inspiration: ‘’Let your light shine before others‘’.

The big change that schooling brings for Turkana girls is a big responsibility, so the meeting organised by the missionaries and teachers of Kokuselei aimed to guide them on their life project. It was an opportunity for them to explore their self-knowledge, self-esteem and health, and what it means to be part of the first generation of schooled women in their communities.

The joy in their hearts was evident on their faces. For some of them, it was the first time they had ever boarded a bus, tasted new food, gone outside their communities and swam in Lake Turkana. Their happiness was overflowing as they sang non-stop to express their excitement.

During the meeting, their courage and the incredible strength they carry within them was emphasised. We reminded them that they are not only the pride of their community, but also a light that enlightens others and will benefit the whole society.

By nature, the girls like to get to the bottom of things when they talk about life, and this aspect shone through when we answered questions about their dreams and the difficult challenges they face.

We believe their determination and desire will shine through in their communities!

By Maggie Gitau & Frida Ejore

Apprentices of MCSPA

Kokuselei Mission (Kenya)

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‘‘Fr Paco always promoted agriculture in Northern Turkana and is one of the little revolutions that he instigated and that are leaving more testimony in Turkana. Thanks to his impetus, many fruit trees were planted in the missions and villages’’

I came across these words at the Nariokotome Mission Library, wherein is a museum with memorabilia of Fr Paco, our founder. The little museum was set up by members of the MCSPA in his memory. As those following in his footsteps, we hold onto these words and we are determined to make his legacy alive. This dream of Fr Paco has been passed by the older ones in the community to all the recent generations and through it, many initiatives such as the ongoing MCSPA Fr. Paco Tree Planting Campaign 2025 and other environmental related moves have been put in place to make this legacy well lived.

On Saturday 01 March , we had an interesting encounter at Kokuselei Mission with the parents of the children of St Joseph Konokono Centre. This was a result of the invitation made to them by the St Francis of Assisi Environmental Club members of the Centre; all its members are children.

A good number of families from around Kokuselei area showed up to stand and work together with their children. All those families participated in planting trees, watering and fencing them well to protect the trees from goats and for better growth. It was so encouraging to see the effort that the children put into this endeavour making it so successful … right from getting their parents involved in the activity to cooking for the parents, something rarely done by children! It’s also worth mentioning the effort, care, generosity and responsibility shown by the parents in order to join their offspring in this noble call of care for the environment.

Indeed, the family is the stronghold of the society and the role of parents in the upbringing of their children is the center of all and truly vital.
The event helped the parents to witness the knowledge, strength and the different talents of their children. This is a very good sign of parents taking part in their children’s formation and therefore taking responsibility in accompanying them throughout the process. Together with the missionaries, the parents aim to bring up dignified persons and instilling in them growth and preparation for their later life in society.

Let’s work together, to make the world a better and more hospitable place for all of creation.

Fridah Ejore,
MCSPA Apprentice,
Kokuselei Mission.

Benga Mission in Malawi had a late commemorative celebration of Fr Francisco Andreo’s 12th Death Anniversary. It was held only last Sunday when all members and apprentices could be present.

We were also blessed with the presence of Fr. Albert Salvans at Benga Mission. The day began with Holy Mass, presided by Fr. Albert, and the celebration concluded with the blessing of trees and planting of a mango tree in the parish compound.

Benga Mission’s tree-planting campaign is ongoing, and we are fundraising to plant 2,000 trees in Benga Parish.

Emmanuel Masiku

Junior Apprentice

Benga Mission