An assessment on the Xaverian experience
Introduction
Our Constitutions state: The Xaverians regard the promotion of justice and participation in the transformation of the world as an integral part of preaching the Gospel. (RG 14.2; cf. C 14) We share the experience of the Xaverians in Sierra L. who continue to carry out their work of evangelization and human promotion also through basic academic training. We present two contributions:
- Umaru Alhajie Kallay is a fervent muslim working as Vice Principal in our Secondary school which is under the management of Saints Peter and Paul Xaverian Parish – Fadugu. In preparation to our General Chapter which will take place next year in Congo, Fr. Martin Ali Keke Ndemsou interviewed Mr. Umaru Alhajie on his experience as a Muslim working in our school. Here below read the interview.
- To learn more, we publish an article by Fr Matugas Vivinio, sx entitled: Missionary activity through the field of education. The Xaverian Experience in Sierra L. Download and read here.
Interview to Mr. Umaru Alhajie Kallay by Fr. Martin Ali keke Ndemsou
Umaru Alhajie Kallay is a fervent muslim working as Vice Principal in our secondary school which is under the management of Saints Peter and Paul Parish – Fadugu where Fr. Martin Ali keke Ndemsou (Parish Priest) and Fr. Christophe Ndiwe Chiza (Assistant Parish Priest), Xaverian Missionaries are ministering. In preparation for our General Chapter which will take place next year in Congo, I (Fr. Martin Ali keke Ndemsou) interviewed him (Umaru Alhajie Kallay) on his experience as a Muslim working in our school. Here is the interview.
Fr. Martin: What are the positive things you can share with others about catholic schools in Sierra Leone especially in the Diocese of Makeni where Xaverian Missionaries have been working for 72 years?
Mr.Kallay: In my opinion, the positive things about the catholic schools in the Diocese of Makeni cannot be over emphasized. The mission has contributed tremendously to the growth and development of education in the years they have spent working for the people. If not for the intervention and effort of the mission, there would have been little or no education in all communities in the Region especially in the remote areas where the Xaverian Missionaries operate.
The mission has opened schools ranging from pre-primary, primary, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary, Tertiary and University all over the place thereby saving the community people from the burden of taking their children to far areas to acquire higher education in all shape and form. It goes without saying that there is huge rush to catholic schools any time there is an opening for intake at all levels simply because the schools are rated to be among the best and there is quality education in all their institutions across the board. Infrastructural school development is so huge that you hardly see a catholic educational institution without a permanent strong structure where conducive teaching and learning takes place.
Overall, the Catholic institutions are always considered the best among the rest and for our Region, catholic schools account for about 65% of all educational institutions in the Diocese of Makeni.
Fr. Martin: What are the things that you would like them (Xaverian Missionaries) to improve in the field of education which is one aspect of their pastoral?
Mr. Kallay: I would like them to improve on inclusion of all faiths to be leaders in their schools and also to try to be vigilant in monitoring the growth and development in their schools.
Fr. Martin: Being a fervent Muslim that studied a Catholic University (UNIMAK), taught at Saint Jerome Fadugu Agricultural Secondary school, and is now serving the same catholic institution as Substantive Vice Principal of the same school, we would like you to tell us how you see the relationship between Christians and Muslims at catholic schools.
Mr. Kallay: In general, the relationship between Muslims and Christians is very cordial to say the least. For us here in the Diocese of Makeni, there is a complete religious tolerance as both faiths participate in the activities of each other. The schools are open to all faiths and there is no discrimination at all. During my study days at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) a free hand was given to us to organize our Muslim Jamaah, which is an Islamic Organization in a Catholic Institution to propagate the Islamic faith. Down to lower level of education, teachers are appointed to teach from all faiths. This is a clear indication that there is a cordial relationship between the two faiths.
Fr. Martin: What are the values you have learnt from catholic educative institutions?
Mr. Kallay: The values I have learnt working with Catholic Institutions include the fear of God and putting God first in whatever I do; to be very tolerant with all humanity; to show compassion and love to all; to be dedicated to service and all try to be the best in all academic pursuit.
Fr. Martin: How do you see the future of catholic education in Sierra Leone?
Mr. Kallay: I see the future of catholic education to be great and I strongly believe Catholic Institutions will be at the pinnacle of education not only in the Diocese of Makeni but the country and the world at large.
I therefore look forward to the day when the policy which dictates that only catholic Christians should be leaders in all catholic institutions according to the Education Directory of the Diocese of Makeni be extended to non-Catholics and non-Christians who have served Catholic Institutions and proven beyond all reasonable doubts to be competent school leaders.
Fr. Martin: Mr. Umaru Alhajie Kallay, thank you very much!
Fr. Martin Ali Keke Ndemsou, sx
Saints Peter and Paul Parish – Fadugu, Sierra L.
Download PDF by Matugas Buhawe Fr. Vivinio sx
Un bilancio della esperienza saveriana
Introduzione
Le nostre costituzioni recitano: L’agire per la giustizia e il partecipare alla trasformazione del mondo sono per noi Saveriani dimensione integrante della predicazione del Vangelo. (RG 14.2; cf. C 14).
Condividiamo l’esperienza dei saveriani in Sierra Leone. Essi continuano a svolgere la loro opera evangelizzatrice e di promozione umana anche attraverso la formazione accademica. Presentiamo due contributi:
- Umaru Alhajie Kallay è un fervente musulmano che lavora come Vice Preside nella nostra Scuola Secondaria, la quale è gestita dai saveriani della Parrocchia dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, a Fadugu. In preparazione al nostro Capitolo Generale che si svolgerà il prossimo anno in Congo, p. Martin Ali Keke Ndemsou ha intervistato il signor Umaru Alhajie sulla sua esperienza come musulmano che lavora nella nostra scuola. Qui sopra, leggi l'intervista in inglese.
- Per approfondire, pubblichiamo un articolo di p. Matugas Vivinio, sx dal titolo: Xaverian Mission Schools in Sierra Leone – An assessment. Scarica e leggi qui.
