HISTORY OF DON BOSCO DIDIA, SHINYANGA
Box- 434, Shinyanga
Tza. Mb. 0784-506070
Tel. 028-2762904
e - mail: dbshy@africaonline.co.tz
Don Bosco Didia is a High School run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The school was opened in 1995 as a response to the invitation by the late Bishop Castor Sekwa, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Shinyanga. The School serves mostly the peasant population. The population catchment of this location is between 65000-70000 people, made up of Sukuma and Nyasnagi tribes together with a small settlement of established Arab traders. It is located in Lohumbo area. Didia village is 50 kms away from Shinyanga town.
Today the school has about 650 students doing their ‘O’ – level and ‘A’ level studies 500 and 150 students respectively. It is mixed school with boarding cum day scholars. Around 300 students stay in boardings and hostels. Sisters of Notre Dame run a hostel for girls for around 100 girls. Savio home which keeps around 70 catholic students and Bosco hostel accommodates around 130 students of all denominations. Rest of the students come from their homes or rented rooms in Didia town which is next to the school We are happy to tell you that our school is one of the best schools in the region offering quality education to the young people around. This is reflected in the good results that our students are able to achieve in their National Examinations. The school was awarded a best performance certificate by the Minister of Education and Culture. For Pre-form intake in 2009, 500 students wrote entrance exam for 100 seats available. It shows growing demand for private education. Our struggle to keep this school for the locals and poor of the area is becoming more and more difficult as rich and influential people tempt the school administration.
According to the house chronicle, it was at 3.00 pm on 14th December 1993 that Fr. George Padinjareparambil and Fr. Mathew Puthumana arrived here at Bugisi. Fr. Puthumana returns soon as he was only accompanying Fr. George who was appointed to begin our work here.
On 11th April 1994, Fr. George Chalissery and Jose Padinjareparambil arrive at about 8.15 pm hearing about Fr. George’s ill health. As there was very little facilities the guests slept in the car.
Fr. P. D George was taken to Mafinga, Dar and later to Nairobi for further treatment.
In the absence Fr. George the pioneer, Fr. Jose Padinjareparambil was asked to take care of the place. So on 2nd of May 1994, Fr. Jose PT arrived here accompanied by Fr. John Vellayil. Fr. John Vellayil leaves soon and Fr. Joseph PT is left alone.
On June 10th 1994 Fr. George returns to Shinyanga.
On 9th July 1994, Fr. P.T. Jose brings Fr. Glen Lowe to Shinyanga who would replace Fr. P.D George to be In Charge of the Shinyanga community. Fr. Jose Padinjareparambil becomes the administrator. Thus Didia forms a community of two.
On 12th Fr. P. D George leaves Didia by train for his new assignment
9th January, 1995 first entrance exam for 120 students to enter the pre-form one takes place 92 students are selected. Br. Arasu Lazer spents holidays in Didia.
0n 4th June 1996, Bp. of Shinyanga, Castor Sekwa passes away.
On 14th January 1997, SND sisters Shobha and Shaija arrive from Arusha to begin their work with Salesians.
January 1998 Fr. Jose Padinjareparambil becomes the first Rector of Don Bosco Didia, with Fr. Tony as H.M, Br. Sigamony scout, TYCs and Br. Frederick Swai doing PT.
On 18th Jan. 2000 Fr. Devassy becomes the H.M replacing Fr. Tony D’souza.
09th July, 2001 First A’ level batch begins: form 5
03rd August 2001 Fr. Augustine Sellam becomes HM
August 2004 Fr. Kunnumchira Thomas replaces Fr. Jose Padinjareparmbil who finishes his 6 year Rectorship in Don Bosco Didia.
In December 2005 Fr. Hubert Pinto replaces Fr. Augustine Sellam as H.M
August 2007 Fr. Edwin Kaigarula becomes HM as Fr. Pinto is transferred to DBYES Nairobi.
Reasons for a Salesian School in Shinyanga:
i) To increase education opportunities for children in school going age in Shinyanga Region – (In Tanzania, in 1996 alone, only 5% of the 64% who were enrolled in primary school entered secondary education. Of the 64%, 17% dropped out before they could complete class 5).
ii) To offer affordable education to the economically poorer students (16% of Tanzania population live below USD 1 per day – GNP per capita in USD is 120)
iii) To initiate and manage an institution which provides quality education and character formation to the children of Shinyanga.
iv) To create educated leadership in the rural areas
v) To improve the general welfare of the residents of rural Shinyanga.
VISION STATEMENT
Don Bosco Didia is an institution of the Catholic church and we are guided in our work by the spirit and principles of Don Bosco. The Salesian values are always kept foremost in our activities on behalf of our youth especially the poor. Chief among these values are family spirit which reigns through the friendly and brotherly exercise of Reason, Religion and Loving kindness, and by practicing these virtues making them honest citizens and obedient children of God.
Don Bosco Didia Correspondent
