Newsletter February 2025

Greetings From Katoke

Our team arrived here on February 3, and we’ve been busy experiencing firsthand the incredible progress happening at Katoke-Lweru Secondary School (KLSS) and beyond. We look forward to sharing even more highlights with you when we return to Australia next month!

Meanwhile, the new year at KLSS has begun with energy, commitment, and some outstanding achievements already. We’re excited to share the latest updates with you.

KLSS off to a Strong Start in 2025

The school year began with a moving opening worship service, setting a wonderful tone for students and staff.

Their hard work has already produced outstanding results in the recent National Exams:

✅ 61% of Form 2 students achieved the top grade (Level 1).
✅ 81% received Level 1 or 2, with no failures at all!
✅ KLSS AGAIN ranks in the top 10% of schools nationwide—a fantastic achievement and a testament to the hard work of both staff and students!!

Visiting Katoke

While in Katoke, our team—Tim McAleer, Lee King, Peta Botham, my grandson Jesse Watson, and I—had been looking forward to seeing the school in action and preparing for the construction of
the new Assembly Hall.
In addition, we have been visiting a number of our local Care, Educate, Grow projects, including vanilla growing farms, malaria prevention programs, and various women’s chicken projects.

Professional Development Workshops

With KLSS being a lighthouse school for all secondary schools of the area, we are leading ‘Professional Development for School Improvement‘ workshops for teachers and leaders from 60 schools, in partnership with St Augustine University, Mwanza.

Thanks to a generous donor, these workshops are fully funded, allowing teachers to participate at no cost. Our Australian volunteers cover their own travel and accommodation, ensuring donations go directly to education and community development.

Looking Ahead

While here, we are working closely with Australian accountant, Roeland Weisfelt (who the Trust sent to Katoke for 12 months to strengthen the administration), and gathering first-hand stories of lives changed and opportunities that have opened up through the work of the Katoke Trust.

Thank you for walking this journey with us! We can’t wait to share more stories and updates from our trip.

May God lead and bless you,

Associate Professor Alan Watson AM
President, The Katoke Trust    
M | 0422 225 556       
E | a.watson@unsw.edu.au

Can You Help Sponsor Datius?

Datius Raphael, a bright and determined 15-year-old, has faced unimaginable hardships.

When Datius was pre-school aged, both parents died from HIV, leaving five children orphaned. His older siblings were unable to continue their education, and his 13-year-old sister has recently left for Bukoba to work under desperate circumstances.

Despite these challenges, Datius’ primary teachers have seen his potential and believe he is worthy of support. We have brought Datius to KLSS where he has a chance for a brighter future—but he needs sponsorship to continue his education.

Your support can change Datius’ life. If you’re able to help, please contact our sponsorship coordinator Lee: sponsorship@katoke.com.au .

Donate Today

 

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