Tanzania

Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM)
Mitwero, Lindi
P.O.Box 12
Mitwero

The opening of the new mission in Lindi, Tanzania was in response to the Orientations from the 28th Congregation Chapter: ‘Oneness for Mission’.  The blessing of this new foundation of RNDM Mission in Mitwero, Lindi, Tanzania was on July 6, 2025.  The pioneers of this mission are Srs. Prettysha Mary Riahtam, Sylvia Ajilit Onyain, Anna Mallika Rozario, Theresa Phan Thi Tho and Vinitha Kurian. We remain deeply grateful to the Diocese of Lindi and the people of Mitwero, for the warm welcome and generous hospitality that we continue to experience.  We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Congregation Leadership Team and to all the sisters and well-wishers for your prayers, support and accompaniment.

The Catholic Diocese of Lindi

The Diocese of Lindi is one of thirty-five Tanzanian Catholic Dioceses. Lindi is situated in the South Eastern coast of Tanzania. According to 2022 National census, the region has a total population of 1,194,028. The Catholics make only 16.2% (136,000) of the whole population. The majority of the population about 80% (955,222) is Muslims. And the remaining small percentage are people of the other denominations. Despite the fact that the Diocese of Lindi has relatively few Catholics, in area it is the second largest Diocese in Tanzania. It has 31 parishes with 119 outstations.

Social – Economic Condition of the Lindi Region

Lindi is one of the oldest towns in Tanzania and one of Tanzania’s 31 administrative regions. It is known for its rich culture, coastal beauty, historical significance and agricultural potential. In economic terms, the region is one of the poorest in Tanzania and another setback is that Lindi is one of the regions in the country with high illiteracy rate.  In ecological terms Lindi region fall into relatively good soil suitable for the growth of cereals, cassava, coconut, fruits and cashew nuts.  For the economic sustenance people depends on peasant farming. Economically the region is relatively poor since it has very few economic opportunities. Fishing is important due to the coastal location. Natural vegetation includes miombo, woodlands, coastal forests and mangroves. There is a growing interest in natural gas exploration in some part of Lindi region. The lack of reliable employment opportunities and good economic sustainability have made many of the young population to migrate to nearest cities like Dar es Salaam which are economically in better condition than Lindi.

People and Culture

The dominant local tribes in the area are the Makonde, Mwera, Makua, Yao, and Ngoni. In recent years, the area has been attracting people from various tribes from different parts of Tanzania to be civil servants as a result of the newly established institutions. Now this small area is blessed with tribes from all over the country. For communication, people use national language—Swahili. The local people have very humble income from which they struggle to afford one simple meal in a day. The Tanzanian government is supportive of different religious groups. So far, there is good respect and peaceful interactions among different religious groups.

 Opportunities and Challenges.

There are many opportunities as well as challenges that we encounter as we get familiarize with the life of the people. Lindi is peaceful, culturally rich and naturally beautiful. Efforts by organizations like Save the Children have been implemented to reduce child mortality and improve maternal and child health. Intervention- EQUIP Tanzania. (Educational Quality through Innovation Partnership) supports teacher training and school leadership improvement in five districts of Lindi.  Housing settlement- Mitwero is part of an area where National Housing Co-operation (NHC) and Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) have begun constructing Modern Houses.  A village level reforestation effort has planted over 74000 trees across Lindi including Mitwero benefiting soil conservation and resource availability.

Nevertheless, there are pressing challenges that call for an urgent and coordinated responses. The underdeveloped infrastructures in rural areas, low income from agriculture, ineffective government policies have left the poor with very little to hold on to. There is very limited access to health and education in remote districts.  Malnutrition and schistosomiasis are prevalent among children in rural areas. Challenges in education are as follows; very poor and limited infrastructures, poor teacher retention in rural areas; Low student performance in national exams, high rate of school drop outs due to pregnancy, Truancy etc. Long distance to the schools in remote villages coupled with very poor road conditions, and lack of transportation pose a major challenge for students.   There is Limited access to clean and safe water in Mitwero and neighboring villages. Poverty and unemployment lead to hardships and vulnerability for many families. Insufficient protection and safeguarding measures for children and vulnerable adults remain another significant challenge that requires attention.

 RNDM Mission – Presence of Hope

We have begun our life and mission in Lindi with a vision to continue to Participate in the Divine Missions, through Contemplation, Communion and Mission; Being a Presence of Hope to all. Presently we are involved in Faith formation and Pastoral ministry in the schools and parish at Mitwero and three substations. Currently our primary focus is on home mission- visiting families and engaging with them to understand their experiences and needs. Our hope for the mission in Mitwero is to create a community where every person can live with dignity and respect. We wish to ensure access to quality education. To walk with children, youth, women, elderly and differently abled persons. We are committed to empowering families to cultivate kitchen garden and raise livestock, fostering sustainable livelihood. Our vision is also to create a space of beauty and harmony where all are welcomed to encounter and experience God. Our first priority is to build a convent for the sisters and a school for the children. Also, in the future a retreat center to provide a place of prayer, worship and renewal.  We place our trust in the Congregation’s continued support, confident that together we can fulfill God’s unfolding plan for this mission and bring hope, care and transformations to the communities we serve.