A remarkable act of generosity and hard work is bearing fruit in the Diocese of South West Tanganyika, part of the Anglican Church of Tanzania. This ambitious project has culminated in a brand-new housing and retail complex which has roots that stretch back decades – to the life and legacy of Ms Eira Lloyd.
Ms Lloyd served as a missionary and teacher in Tanzania for 35 years, between the 1940s and 1980s. She dedicated her life to the Anglican Church of Tanzania, working closely with Mothers’ Union. Tanzania became her home and her love for her community endured beyond her lifetime. When she passed away, she left a legacy gift to the diocese, enabling this project to take shape in her memory.
Recognising the potential of this gift, the Diocese of South West Tanganyika fundraised to acquire land for a micro-city. Core members of the team also underwent management training to carefully map out a project plan with the support of USPG. Thanks to funding from Trinity Church Wall Street and local fundraising efforts, the Diocese of South West Tanganyika have turned this vision into reality.
What emerged from this is Mji Mwema Micro-city, a newly developed complex featuring 12 hostel rooms and a retail centre. The rental spaces will generate long-term income for the diocese to support its educational work, care for orphans and many women and young people across the region.
It was a privilege for USPG staff Fran Mate, Senior Regional Manager: Africa, Vijay Christian, Director of Finance and The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor to be present with the diocese at the grand opening of Mji Mwema Micro-city in late February 2025.
A plaque was unveiled, followed by a prayer of blessing for the building and the people it will benefit. Following a service in the local parish, The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor was invited to plant a tree on site as a sign of USPG’s past, present and future partnership with the diocese.
USPG praises the commitment of the local diocese for their hard work and collaboration that have made this project work so well.
It takes a lot of planning and hard work to get to this point. It proves what tremendous fruit can come from the small seed of faithful service.
reflected The Revd Canon Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary USPG, drawing on the wonderful legacy of Ms Eira Lloyd.
Leave a Legacy
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Legacy gifts enable our partners to fund long-term development programmes and build vital infrastructure such as the Mji Mwema Micro-city in the Diocese of South West Tanganyika. By leaving a gift to USPG in your will, you can transform lives for years to come and inspire the next generation to create a sustainable future.
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From 27th January to 3rd February 2025, the Advisory Council of the Africa 6 Centre for Anglican Women’s Leadership and Research in Africa (CAWLRA) gathered at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village in Lesotho for an inspiring week of strategic thinking and reflection. The retreat, which brought together some of the most influential Anglican women leaders in Africa, focused on empowering senior women bishops to lead with strength and vision in the years to come.
The Africa 6’s mission is clear: to ensure that Anglican women leaders across the continent are equipped and empowered to make a lasting impact, not just for today, but for future generations.
The gathering was graced by the presence of Bishop Dalcy Dlamini (Eswatini), Bishop Filomena Teta das Neves Estevão (Angola), Bishop Vicentia Kgabe (Lesotho), Bishop Emily Onyango (Kenya/St. Paul’s University), Andrea Mann (Anglican Church of Canada), Mrs. Fran Mate (Senior Regional Manager: Africa, USPG), The Revd Daniel Karanja (Episcopal Church, USA).
It was a pleasure to be in the Kingdom of Lesotho, a country rich in culture and history, and to witness the diocese’s significant contribution to both the local and national community.
On behalf of USPG, we are proud to walk alongside the Africa 6 Women Anglican Bishops as they lead the way in establishing and shaping the future of the Centre for Anglican Women’s Leadership and Research in Africa. Together, we continue to support the growth of women’s leadership within the Anglican Church, ensuring that these remarkable leaders are ready to guide the Church into the future.
USPG is pleased to announce the provision of scholarships to support the theological education of young women across the Anglican Provinces in Africa. This initiative is a result of the Botswana Summit on the Future of Theological Education, held in November 2022. Click here to find out more.
Currently, USPG supports four women from the Dioceses of Namibia, Mbhashe (Anglican Church of Southern Africa), Central Zambia and Lesotho to pursue their diplomas and degrees in theology at accredited Anglican institutions. These scholarships help make theological education more accessible for women and ensure that those called to serve can do so.
From 30 January – 5 February 2025, Esmeralda (Essie) Pato, Chair of USPG’s Communion-Wide Advisory Group (CWAG), visited the College of the Transfiguration (COTT) to accompany The Revd Rachel Moshanah, one of the young scholars from the Diocese of Namibia.
During her visit, Essie attended the opening service and orientation for new and returning students. It was warm and welcoming occasion. During the service, one particularly moving moment took place when returning students helped new students to put on their cassocks as a symbolic act reflecting Jesus’ message of leadership, “to serve and not to be served”.
Throughout her visit, Essie engaged with students and listened to their experiences and aspirations. She highlighted USPG’s dedication to theological education, the growing and important role of women in church leadership and encouraged the students to embrace their faith journey with commitment and passion. She also met with the Rector and Principal of COTT, The Revd Canon Dr Percy Chinganga. He shared his appreciation for USPG’s support and pointed out the college’s growth in numbers. He stated that there are 47 students enrolled including 23 new students (11 women and 12 men). Currently, USPG supports three women scholars at COTT as well as Ms Audreen Kamukwamba at the Diocese of Central Zambia- Evangelical University. As more young women enrol in theological programmes, the future of Anglican leadership in Africa looks set to become more diverse and inclusive.
Essie’s visit emphasised USPG’s commitment to empowering young women through theological education and the importance of partnerships in developing future church leaders. The Young Women’s Theological Education Scholarship is shaping a new generation of women who will transform the wider Church and their communities through faith.
