The Jesuits are not the only religious working on the Chikuni Mission. There are three communities of religious women at the Mission and they run the hospital, work in the parish, run the Girl's school and reach at Charles Lawanga. CRS assisted the hospital to add a new building that will be used for HIV/AIDS work. The sign caught my attention as it noted that in the rural areas the hospitals also serve as the mortuaries.
Other works on the Mission include the parish and a Tonga cultural center and museum. The Mission also has a fine mechanic shop directed by an Irish Jesuit brother for the repair of Mission equipment.
Radio Chikuni is the creation of a very talented Polish Jesuit, Lesniara Andrzej. The radio station serves the Chukini area of the Southern province. The station is on air for about twenty hours per day. In addition to music, news and evangelization they also provide a school curriculum to students who are too remote to come to class. Students have a mentor and a crank operated radio for their lessons. The station supports itself by producing music CD's and tapes. They also sponsor an annual music festival featuring local area music that draws a crowd of 10,000.
This is the parish center for Home Base Care for HIV/AIDS. I was very impressed with the work of the center. They serve over 800 clients in the area in about 25 out stations. The sign in Tonga lists the services. In addition the the health issues of prevention, awareness and care, the center is also supporting programs to help the people be self-sufficient in food and resources.The center engages a large number of volunteers who are sent forth annually by the Bishop.
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