Athenry Simanjiro Partnership

Athenry Simanjiro Partnership is a voluntary organisation and a registered charity. It began when Teagasc staff and the wider farming community raised funds for the developing world, in memory of a colleague. The Concern Organisation identified Simanjiro as being in dire need of support. Facts were established and presented at a parish public meeting. A congregation of Divine Word Missionaries were the serving priests for the vast parish of Simanjiro. This is a remote area, accessed by dirt roads and is two hours from the nearest town – Arusha.

The Missionaries, led by Fr. Eusebio Manangbao SVD, keenly welcomed the possibility of partnership. It was agreed at the public meeting that a parish partnership should be set up with the Divine Word Missionaries as our trusted partners. This partnership formed on November 1st 2005, had the enthusiastic support of Canon Tony King, our Parish Priest.

Ground rules and core principles were established from the outset:

(i) project proposals would be assessed for approval

(ii) provision of full, verifiable estimates and final accounts for each project

(m) all money raised would go directly to a specific project

(iv) volunteers who travel pay their own way.

Life in Simanjiro

Living conditions are primitive, with the population living in mud huts. The Maasai people live mainly as pastoralist farmers, moving with their herds to find water.

Communities face challenges such as drought, malaria, HIV / AIDS and poverty. Women endure particular hardships. Despite these difficulties, the people are welcoming, resilient, and strong. Visitors from Athenry describe life there as eye-opening, humbling and inspiring.

Projects to date:

Drilled a bore well to provide water for the Misson and local community Upgraded old hospital and built 2 new wards
Sent a 40 foot shipping container with medical supplies, hospital beds and equipment, school books and an ambulance
Built a parish church and 2 pre-schools
Provided mosquito nets and solar panels
Built and fitted out a new hospital theatre
Supported agricultural training
Enabled lrish medical and nursing students and many others to volunteer in Simanjiro
Facilitated distance learning and upskilling for medical personnel
Built a home for street children in Nairobi.

Looking Ahead

The Athenry Simanjiro Partnership will continue to support the Mission by consolidating what has already been achieved and assessing new challenges, while strengthening bonds of friendship between both communities.

2005 Committee: Muriel Nolan, Mary Doherty, Bernie Fitzgerald, Colm Fitzgerald (RIP 2011), Anne Flanagan, Frankie Carr, Ruth Dobbyn O’Dea, Olive Coffey, Peggy Healy, Therese Dempsey, Mary Mulryan, Geraldine O’Beirn, Paddy Browne, Fr. Tony King and Nuala King.

2025 Committee: Martina Farragher, Caroline Deehan, Louie Whelan, Rosie Atkinson Dunne, Louise Byrne, Michael Killeen, Christy O’Hara, Tommy Forde, Mary Doherty, Therese Dempsey, Mary Mulryan, Muriel Nolan, Pat Mahon, Paddy Browne, Anne Flanagan, Olive Coffey, Nuala King, Fr. Benny McHale CC, Fr. Charlie McDonnell PP.

Thank You

Most sincere thanks to all who helped in preparing for this celebration:

The Men’s Shed for constructing the model of a Massai boma – house

Michael Egan for his straw and thatching skills

A & T Print for their assistance

Athenry Credit Union

Thanks to Fr. Charlie for all his support for this project and for this event ‘

Consider Helping?

It is open to everyone to get involved – all are welcome.

€5 a month would work wonders. Support this Mission – if you can.

IBAN: lE25AlBK 93701013102182

The Story of the Athenry / Simanjiro Partnership 2021