In Lent 2008, as part of its response to London Challenge 2012, the London Diocese raised money to finance the building and equipping of a primary school in each of our link dioceses. A simple school with three classrooms and an administration block costs about £25,000.

The appeal raised over £95,000 to fund the building of three primary schools, one in each of our partner dioceses: Angola; Lebombo (Southern Mozambique) and Niassa (Northern Mozambique).

In Niassa building is now underway in Messumba. The contract with the builders - Empresa Conntruções Rovuma was signed in October 2008, the foundation stone was laid in November and by Christmas, as the pictures show, the walls were well underway. The car in the picture will remain on site until May as the river is flooded.

The finished school will have four classrooms with a mini office in the middle. The contract also includes the building of four pit latrines.

Update November 2009

The Lent Appeal School in Messumba is finished, and it will be officially opened soon. The Angolan Lent Appeal School in Nsosso is also progressing well, as shown in the pictures.

April 2010: The Messumba school was opened on Easter Day (pictures).

The Bishop of London launched the Lent Appeal at St John’s CE Primary School, Friern Barnet

The fund raising activities included a concert at St Peter’s Hammersmith for Messumba Primary School in Niassa Diocese. St Peter’s has a parish link with Messumba.

Their superb concert on 2 April was given by the Franklin Central Concert Choir from Indianapolis. The mixed ensemble of high school students, under the direction of William E. Griffel, delivered an evening to be remembered. Their excellent musical abilities were accompanied by great delight in performing. It was a privilege to meet the parents of some of the students after the concert.