Bereko
The link between Paddock Wood and Bereko started in 2005 when Rev Chris Dobson, our vicar at the time, visited the Diocese of Kondoa, Tanzania to discuss a formal link with Rochester Diocese.
Links with the churches
The other deanery parishes in the region are many miles apart and often only accessible on foot. Our first step was to buy an off road motorbike for the pastor.
We then raised funds for a church building, called St Andrews Bereko, which was completed in 2010.
Teams from our church have visited in 2007, 2009 and another visit is planned for August 2011,
Our next project is to raise funds for a house for the pastor at Bereko.
Links with the primary school
Laurensia Mallya is the Head Teacher. Laurensia and Faith Msema, a teacher and church leader visited Paddock Wood in 2008.
Bereko Primary School has 1,600 pupils. The World Food Aid Programme provides dinner for the children on school days - often their only meal of the day.
Pupils and parents have raised significant funds for Bereko and send out educational material and uniforms.
Links with the secondary school
Mr Bilale is the Head Teacher. Mascalls teachers and students have visited Bereko Secondary School in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
They have helped with IT equipment and links, decorated classrooms and built friendships between students.
Paddock Wood Football club sent some football kits in 2009.
Mascalls also hosted the Paddock Wood Choral Society ‘Voices of Africa' summer concert, This raised funds for Bereko and was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Tanzania.
Mascalls School has a Tanzanian artist in residence and his work is exhibited at the school.
So what is Bereko like?
- It is a deanery parish, similar to St Andrews, Paddock Wood.
- has a mix of faiths, with Islam most worshipped
- has more than 3,000 people (more than 8,000 in Paddock Wood)
- is 4,000 ft up in the mountains
- has no mains electricity, running water or tarmac roads
- has two under equipped dispensaries
Our two Town Councils have agreed to establish an informal link between Paddock Wood and Bereko. A formal signing ceremony is planned.
Other organisations in Paddock Wood are supporting Bereko, such as Waitrose, Woodfalls and Paddock Wood Football Club.
The Tanzania Committee comprises representatives from St Andrews, Paddock Wood Primary School and Mascalls Secondary School.
If you would like to know more about the work of the link or get involved please contact: Sue Chalkley (01622) 871926
