Establishment of the Bishop Regina Girls Secondary School

Earlier this week, Bishop Syprian Hilinti, Central Diocese of Tanzania (ELCT-Central Diocese), officially announced the establishment of the Bishop Regina Girls Secondary School! Located outside of Singida town (the small city where the Central Diocese offices are located), the school is under construction and set to open in 2026. Initially, the school will be a day school serving students from the Singida region. When dormitories are complete, additional girls from more remote rural areas can enroll.

Although there are female pastors and deacons serving in the Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), to this date, there are no female bishops. Bishop Syprian desires to see a change in this practice. Subsequently, in addition to celebrating the longstanding relationship between the people of the ELCT-CD and the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, Bishop Syprian is raising the possibility of a female bishop serving people throughout ELCT dioceses by naming this new school in honor of our bishop, Bishop Regina Hassanally. Thanks be to God!

Congregations from both the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and the Central Diocese of Tanzania have provided the funds necessary to construct new and remodel existing buildings, as well as to equip the campus with water, sanitation, and electrical systems—including solar energy. Next steps include furnishing the classrooms and dining hall with tables, desks, chairs, books, and other essentials. Once the school opens, there will be ongoing opportunities for individuals and congregations to provide scholarship funds for girls, particularly the daughters of subsistence farmers.

Contact Kathy (chatelaine@semsynod.org) if you are interested in joining Bishop Regina and Kathy on an upcoming visit to Tanzania to dedicate the new school! To contribute funds designated for the Bishop Regina Girls Secondary School (or one of the three other ELCT-CD secondary schools), go to semnsynod.org/giving and include ‘Bishop Regina school’ as the Memo.

Karibu sana. You are very welcome!