The Minister of Oromia Education Bureau in Ethiopia, Dr. Tola Bariso, has lauded Sr. Kaki Tamba, of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary (MSHR), Ethiopia Region for the selfless services rendered in the Education Sector for the past 10 years, as Head of Sagure Catholic School.
Sr. Tamba, a Cameroonian Missionary from Kosola, in the Diocese of Kumba, South West Region of Cameroon, has served at the St. Mary Kindergarten and Primary Catholic School, Sagure, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, Ethiopia, since 2015, as Principal, and English teacher.
Speaking during the audience at the Ministry of Oromia Education Bureau in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Minister commended Sr. Kaki for her exemplary leadership in infrastructural development, academic excellence and Staff capacity building, over the last decade, which has made a lasting contribution to the advancement of Education in Oromia.
According to him, “her commitment, integrity and assiduity” stands as an enduring model of excellence in educational leadership.
The Missionary Sister was further applauded for being a true Catholic missionary, and not giving up despite challenges encountered on the mission.
She was commended for making an outstanding distinction in the lives of the people of Sagure community, through her selfless service.
Dr. Tola introduced Sr. Tamba to his collaborators and wished that the Missionary could return to Ethiopia after her studies, so she could continue with the good works she had begun.
The departing Missionary was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the Minister. She was also treated to a ‘Coffee Ceremony’. Coffee Ceremony is an incredible aspect of Ethiopian Culture. Coffee is always prepared to welcome guests as a sign of their hospitality and friendship.
The outgoing School Head was also presented with a special cake.
All these had come as a surprise to the departing missionary.
In appreciation, Sr. Kaki Tamba, who was leaving Ethiopia for further studies, thanked the Minister and his collaborators for the support they rendered to Catholic Missionaries who come to work in Ethiopia.
The Cameroonian Sister deeply appreciated the simplicity of the Minister and his team, and their level of communication, which made her feel very much “at home” all through her stay.
Underscoring the strong ties between the Ethiopian Government and the Catholic Church, as far as Education was concerned, she urged the Government officials, on behalf of the Catholic Church to maintain the ties, even as she leaves, so that the ministries of Education, Health Care, Women Empowerment, Anti-human trafficking, among others, which are run by the Catholic Church, will continue to thrive.
“Please do not cut this relationship; keep supporting us,” she entreated, adding that this would attract others to work with them.
She further promised to ‘carry’ Ethiopia and the children of St. Mary School with her as she goes away, and would readily recommend any donors or students from the Western world, seeking places for internship in Africa.
She prayed that the children would one day become educators like the Minister and his collaborators.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (Sister Communicator, Ghana)
