Thanks for joining us for this month’s update from Katoke! There’s a lot to share—from exciting new developments at KLSS to a student story that we hope will inspire you.
✨ A Knock at the Door: Nelson’s Story
On my recent visit to Katoke, there was an unexpected knock at the Guest House door. Standing there was Nelson Mubezi—a top former sponsored student of KLSS whose name many of you may remember.
Nelson was known not only for his academic talent but also for his creativity. In his final year, he composed the beautiful school song now sung each week at assembly:
Oh my Lord, may you bless Katoke-Lweru… Let this school be a source of knowledge… a source of wisdom… Show us good ways to serve you, Lord… Make us all to bear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, patience and self-control.
Tragically, soon after graduation, Nelson suddenly lost his sight. Despite receiving the best medical attention available in Tanzania, his condition proved irreversible. He was plunged into severe trial and was deeply depressed.
But Nelson’s story didn’t end there!
Ultimately, Nelson found something of the “wisdom, patience and self- control” he had written about. He learned braille. He completed a degree in Education at the University of Dar es Salaam. And standing before me with his brother to guide him, he had come to share good news: he had passed government teaching exams in both Swahili and English. Nelson is now a secondary school teacher, with hopes of returning to serve in his home region.
Life has not been easy but his plea in the school song—“Please my Lord, may you stand for us all”—is being answered. Like the many other former KLSS students who are entering productive careers, he is warmly thankful for our support which he sees as God’s provision.
🏛 A Vision for the Future: The KLSS Assembly Hall
The school’s reputation is very strong in the community and is growing well with over 500 students. With this growth comes a pressing need: a dedicated Assembly Hall.
Currently, school assemblies are held outdoors and are often disrupted or cancelled due to rain. The dining shelter is most unsuitable for school or parent meetings, for student exams (often done in the open air!) or for special events.
Thanks to architect Geoff Deane, who generously donated his expertise, we now have a stunning design for what will be the largest structure on the KLSS site.
The hall will be built in three stages:
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Main Hall (the size of a basketball court, open-sided): $530,000 AUD
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Covered foyer
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Utility section: toilets, kitchenette, storage & servery
We aim to begin construction with Phase One as soon as funding allows. This space can be used even before the other stages are complete. The full project is estimated at $1.2 million AUD, and Phase One is now the target of our next major fundraiser.
🎉 Celebration Moments: Sport, Scholarships & Graduation
Our Katoke colleagues know how to celebrate well—and April was no exception!
🏅 Football Pitch Opening
I was very happy to officially open the wonderful new KLSS sports ground!
Our KLSS students were thrilled to unpack a shipment of new sports jerseys and boots from Australia – just in time for a celebratory match against a local school. 
🎓 Scholarships & Graduation
Top Form 5 (Year 11) students were awarded scholarships in a joyful ceremony.
The graduation of Form 6 (Year 12) was also a colourful event with bright clothing, singing, dancing and hopeful expectations for further study and future careers.
💡 Spotlight Story: Meet Alilius
Alilius is in Form 2 (Year 8) at Katoke-Lweru Secondary School. He currently lives in Katoke Village near the school with his sister, brother-in-law, and their baby—but their rent is increasing, and the family will soon be forced to move further away, toward Izigo.
This means Alilius will face a much longer walk to school each day, making it harder to keep up with his studies.
What would change everything? A half sponsorship.
With it, Alilius could live on-site at KLSS, giving him a safe place to stay, reliable access to electricity, and the quiet environment he needs to study in the evenings.
It’s a simple but life-changing opportunity—and your support could make it happen.
👉 To sponsor Alilius, contact Lee at sponsorship@katoke.com.au
or complete our online sponsorship form.
🎁 The Power of 10—Small Gifts, Big Change
Did you know that just $10 can make a real difference in Katoke? It can provide a mosquito net, school supplies, or a soap and towel set. If you’re looking for a small but meaningful way to contribute, consider giving $10 on a regular basis—every little bit adds up to big change!
🐵 Monkey Business
Our most recent enrolment hasn’t yet found a sponsor—but he seems quite at home swinging through the trees! Black-faced vervet monkeys are regular (and cheeky) visitors to the Katoke-Lweru Secondary School grounds. They’re always up to something—leaping between branches, watching lessons from afar, or hoping for a snack left unattended!
🤝 Sponsorship
For just $110/month (or $55/month for half sponsorship), you can provide a student with:
- Quality education
- Books, uniforms, accommodation
- Nutritious meals & clean water
We have 6 students currently waiting for to be sponsored, including Alilimus: 1 half and 5 full sponsorships. The longer these students wait, the further behind they fall with their studies.
For more information, please contact Lee: sponsorship@katoke.com.au.
🗓️ Upcoming Events
Ks for Katoke
📅 June 2025 — (Registrations to open in May!)
Our annual fundraising event where YOU run, ride, or walk to raise funds for Katoke Trust!
Katoke Trust Annual Meeting
📅 6 June 2025 — 7:30pm, Tranquility Room, Woolooware Shores
Join us for an in-depth update on the exciting progress at Katoke and Engaruka, with insights from the leaders of each project area.
👉 Contact Alan for more details: alan@watson-kt.org
Katoke Trust Annual Dinner
📅 7 November 2025 — (New venue to be announced soon!)
Save the date for an inspiring evening of generosity, reflection, and connection. We’ll celebrate all we’ve achieved together—and look ahead to what’s next.
✨ More details to come, but for now, mark your calendar—we’d love to see you there! ✨
🙏 With Gratitude
Thank you for walking alongside us. Your generosity is making education, health, and opportunity possible for so many in the Katoke community. We’re excited to keep sharing the journey with you.
Grace and peace,
Associate Professor Alan Watson AM
President, The Katoke Trust
M | 0422 225 556
E | alan@watson-kt.org
