Peace House Makes the News

From the "Arusha Times" newspaper (online):

ELCT Praises Efforts to Fight Corruption Arusha Times (Arusha)
May 6, 2006
Posted to the web May 8, 2006

By Thomas Ratsim

Arusha Bishop Thomas Laiser of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCT) Diocese in Arusha Region has said that since the Fourth Phase Government came to power under President Jakaya Kikwete, it has laid discipline and etiquette hence thus boosting morale in government offices.

The Right Reverend Laiser praised President Kikwete for his daring moves even to "pinch the untouchables" in his efforts to eradicate corruption and misconduct. Kikwete's Government has been fighting graft and now delinquents do not even dare to accept bribes, he said.
The Bishop made this acclamation at the Impala Hotel on Friday, April 28 during a fund raising ceremony of the Diocesan Development Fund, which was presided by the Prime Minister Mr. Edward Lowassa. The fund is to finance the church's social projects.

Bishop Laiser also praised the Government for outlawing a corruption version of hospitality, widely known as takrima, the practice which he said the church has been against. He also congratulated the Government for its efforts in curbing banditry in the country, a measure, which has been strongly cherished by the public.

In the fund raising drive, a total of Shs. 126 million was realized. Of the amount Shs.106 million was collected on the spot while Shs. 20 million was pledges.

Amongst the major projects being implemented by the Diocese in Arusha Region, each costing 5 billion shillings , are the construction of an orphan Secondary School at Kisongo, known as Peace House Academy and the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, which is being erected at Levolosi in the Arusha City and is expected to start offering services next year.
During the ceremony, Premier Lowassa, expressed his gratitude to the Peace House Foundation (PHF) for its dedication to construct the, a secondary school for orphans and other underprivileged children of Tanzania. When completed the school will accommodate more than 600 students.

PHF is a United States- based non-profit organization, which currently provides support to over 400 children at primary and secondary schools in northern Tanzania. It also supports local organizations caring for orphans and other vulnerable children who are unable to live with their extended families.

The fund raising ceremony was preceded by the Premier's entourage visit to the projects which are being implemented by the Diocese.

Copyright © 2006 Arusha Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

Note: Any spelling or grammatical shortcomings are from the original text. To convert Tshillings to dollars, divide shillings by 1,000 ($1 = Tsh 1,200)