I have to give you some very sad news: Egha Egha, formerly Head Teacher of Heri Special School, has died. He had been ill for many months, firstly after being severely kicked by a cow (which his family kept to provide milk), and secondly when he developed pneumonia. We have to bear in mind that hospital facilities in Tanzania are very limited, and we can only guess at what quality of care he received. I have never known Egha’s exact age, but I estimate that he was in his early sixties.

Egha was a wonderful man and a true Christian: he was never concerned about his own well-being but only about the needs of his family and community, and especially about the needs of the children of Heri Special School, which he worked so hard to develop. It was a privilege for the St Jude Foundation to be able to help him in that work, thanks to the generosity of you and our other supporters.

Egha realized several months ago that, owing to his health problems, he would be unable to continue as Head Teacher and he therefore decided to retire. He wished to be succeeded by his elder daughter, Safina, who is 40 years old and a qualified and experienced teacher. Since 2010 she has been studying for a degree in special education. Safina was keen to take on the headship of Heri Special School and, after checking on her teaching experience and training, I agreed that our Foundation would be willing to continue helping the school under Safina’s leadership. I am sure she will have her own ideas regarding the future development of the school. Egha’s wife, Emma, and his younger daughter, Anna, (a qualified teacher and physiotherapist) will be continuing to work at the school. I attach a photo of Egha and Safina taken a few months ago.

So, despite the great sadness of losing Egha, the future of the school seems to be in good hands. The school will continue to need our support so, as always, donations will be gratefully received at any time.

With very best wishes for a happy Easter,

Yours Sincerely, Mark Roberts