Pope confers apostolic blessings to Tanzanian rector

Moshi, Kilimanjaro: THE Head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has bestowed apostolic blessings to Professor Jafari Kideghesho, the Rector of the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM), Mweka.

According to a statement released by CAWM and signed by Mr Ernest Emmanuel, the Principal Public Relations Officer Prof Kideghesho earned Pope’s honor due to his contribution in supporting social matters within Tanzanian communities.

 “Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pope invokes an abundance of Divine graces upon Professor Kideghesho.

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“This honor reflects the Pope’s recognition of Prof Kideghesho’s significant contributions, not only to wildlife management and conservation in Africa, but also to supporting social matters within Tanzanian communities,” the statement read in part.

The statement pointed out that the apostolic blessing serves as a token of appreciation for Professor Kideghesho’s dedication to his work and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

Adding: “It is a testament to his leadership and exemplary service in his field.”

In conferring apostolic blessings, the Pope imparts that rare and solemn blessing—which imparts a plenary indulgence—only on very special occasions. The Pope also delegates the ability to give an apostolic blessing to bishops and priests on specific occasions.

CAWM Mweka, at Mweka village, Moshi Rural District of Kilimanjaro region leads as a professional and technical training institution in Wildlife and Tourism Management.

The college is fully accredited as a technical training institution under Tanzanian Law. Its programess are geared towards nurturing sufficiently knowledgeable and adequately skilled graduates. To-date, over 10,000 students have graduated from its doors, coming from 58 countries worldwide.

The Sunday News gathered vital information regarding contribution of the don from the society, and established that despite being an Islamic believer, he has made a significant contribution to the society around him and the college, and that the society holds him in high esteem, hence religious tolerance.

According to the residents surrounding Kibosho East Ward, Kibosho Division in Moshi Rural District of Kilimanjaro Region, Prof Kideghesho has been involved in various social and economic activities.

Mr Joseph Chuwa, a resident of Sungu village told the ‘Sunday News’ that, the community where Prof Kideghesho has been participating in social affairs, including contributing to a development of various projects such as health honours him greatly.

Mr  Chuwa said Prof Kideghesho has been at the forefront in supporting the villagers’ progress in all walks of life, offering both moral and material support.

He further noted that Prof Kideghesho has been supporting the funeral arrangements by offering transport to approximately six villages in Kibosho East ward that surround him.

“You may be wondering why the Pope conferred Apostolic Blessing to Prof   Kideghesho who belongs to Islamic religion. Despite being an Islamic believer, he has made a significant contribution to the society surrounding him without looking at one’s faith.” he said.

For his part, Mr Fransis Chuwa, a Sungui villager described Prof Kideghesho as a person who deserved the prize since he was able to live in a society that is 90 per cent Christian and lived in love.

He further said, Prof Kideghesho has been contributing to various development projects such as the construction of school infrastructure such as Sungu Primary School.

In his conversation with the ‘Sunday News’ Professor Kidegesho said he was highly honored to be conferred with the blessings, thanking the Pope, adding that it is the people around the area who deserve it even more.

Professor Kidegesho said that many people in Kibosho are Roman Catholic believers, are wonderful and cooperate well with the college, adding that whatever the college does touches the people. He said CAWM has been close with the people in different projects, such as water, education and the environment, as they feel are one.

“I would say that we have been working together with the people in support of water, health and the environment. We really appreciate and thanks the public for accepting us and living in harmony with us. We have been doing what the Church has also been talking about, the end goal being to ensure the public gets best services.

“I, as a person who got a chance to work in Kilimanjaro, I feel that I would not have rendered justice to the region if I do not offer my contribution for it and my country if I leave the institution before leaving any positive mark,” Professor Kidegesho said.