Inauguration and partial opening on 06.08.2019

by Rev. Dr. Amedeus Macha and Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Dr. Anna Mghwira

Ceremonies preparations:

Already a few weeks before the inauguration ceremony, relatives, friends, locals met to prepare the celebration. They collected donations of money and goods (for example, chickens, pigs, a cow, a goat, vegetables, rice, potatoes……), because they were eager to make their contribution.
On the day of the inauguration, before sunrise, they slaughtered directly on the festival site. More and more helpers arrived in the course of the morning to set up, to remove the last traces of the craftsmen who had worked into the night the day before, and to prepare the food, because many guests were expected. Father Macha watched everything with a strict eye and helped wherever it was necessary.
It was very interesting and exciting to observe the colorful, happy hustle and bustle and the increasing activity.
From hour to hour there was more activity, the tension increased…..

Ceremonies:
At 1 p.m., the inauguration ceremony was supposed to begin, but as is so often the case, respected, important people are kept waiting. Our patience, especially that of the 20 guests from Fellbach, Aachen and Trier was extremely tested, as we did not understand the announcements of the MC (Master of Ceremony).
Finally Dr. Anna Mghwira arrived. Accompanied by the traditional Chagga music group of the village Kirua, she was escorted to the festival area by Pastor Macha. First he led her in a hurry (probably he wanted to make up for the delay) through the hospital building and showed her all the rooms – hospital rooms, maternity ward, operating room, laboratory, pharmacy, computer and IT area, offices, as well as all the medical equipment that was, for example, in our container or that was bought brand new by our association. At this point we would like to thank all the donors who made this possible and all those who actively supported us in packing the container.
After Dr. Mghwira had signed the guest book, the ribbon could finally be cut and Father Macha could bless the hospital, as well as the statue of St. Monica with little Augustine in her arms.
Then all the guests took their seats. There followed the roll call of the guests of honor, songs by the children from the Mema School, a play and some speeches and greetings, some of them long.
After that everyone was very hungry….
During the meal and afterwards there was still time to meet. We German guests were so warmly welcomed by everyone and taken into the African joy and festivity. We will never forget this day! Asante sana!

One day before the opening ceremony on 06.08.2019!