Closing ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee at the « Collège Alfajiri », in Bukavu, DRC

In Bukavu, South Kivu, between 1938 and 2013, the Alfajiri school totals 75 years of operation.

Founded on December 7, 1938 by the fathers of the Missionaries of the Africa Apostolic Vicariate of Bukavu, the “College Saint Charles” became a Jesuit school in September 1941 and its management was entrusted to the Belgian Northern Province. Lateron, the Jesuits moved it from Kawa to Nyalukemba, the current location.
After the turbulences of the Second World War, the Jesuit College became «Our Lady of Victory College» and took as official celebration day, the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

When the schools were taken over by the government in Congo, the school was renamed “College Alfajiri «, which in Swahili means « Dawn «, a school serving the Congolese people and Africa.
On the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, Alfajiri in partnership with the Association of Jesuit Alumni/ae Alfajiri (ACA) organized three types of actions, during the year: visibility actions including refurbishment of the school; actions to the benefit of the community and cultural and liturgical celebrations under the theme «let us stoke the FIRE OF EXCELLENCE by FAITH, HOPE and JUSTICE».

Time goes by. Yet certain moments remain, unforgettable, eternal. This feeling of eternity did prevail during one week at Alfajiri College Bukavu, one can say. The Jubilee Year began on Dec. 8, 2012 and closed on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. A few activities were organized, commensurate to the size of the institution and of the event, from Monday 02 to Sunday, December 8, 2013. All began on Saturday, December 30 by an educational session. In a room full of students, alumni, parents and other guests, the Dean of the College presented the audience the jewel of this jubilee year, namely Alfajiri educational project developed by the whole educational community. This project sounds like a real roadmap to the centenary. It followed a series of conferences held throughout the month of November 2013 by the Alfajiri Alumni(ae) around the themes : Means of social communication and ethical values; Environment, development and humanitarian projects; Education and health for all; Promoting peace, reconciliation and justice; Regional integration, entrepreneurship and community management.

The celebration left no one indifferent.

The week began Monday, Dec. 2

with a performance by the pupils of the Elementary School I. Several games, performances and dances enlivened the whole school and the parents.

Tuesday the 3rd of December

was the solemn closing Mass of the Jubilee for students at 7:45 am. It was celebrated by Archbishop François Xavier Maroy, Archbishop of Bukavu and alumnus of Alfajiri. Father Bishop invited the students to imitate the zeal of St. Francis Xavier to bring to the world the best that everyone got from God and the school. The choir of students, Stella Duce, performed during the mass.

The same Tuesday at 10:30, the primary school III presented their show. Students played «Many shall come in my name» ( Mt 24 : 5), composed by supernumerary Mushagalusa. This piece was interspersed with dance, acrobatics and sketches.

Wednesday, December 4

was the official closing ceremony. The great room and the whole school were decorated in the colours of the Jubilee and of the nation: red, yellow and blue. After the opening prayer by Father Vincent Van Haelst SJ, the ceremony began with an introductory speech by Father Dean. A slide show depicting the history of Alfajiri, since its foundation, with its lights and shadows, was presented. At the end of the show, the audience was invited to follow the stories of three people: the first Congolese student of the school, Mr. Leopold Aissi Lwayakonge, the first Congolese young lady who obtained a bachelor’s degree at the University and one former regent of the school. Finally, the Dean gave the diploma of merit to all staff in service with the school for over 25 years, workers and teachers. The Jesuits working in the school and the Jesuits of the Province of Central Africa also each received a diploma of merit. Two cows were also offered by the educational community and by the alumni to the Jesuit community and the Province of Central Africa. At the end of the ceremony, a cocktail was served to all guests in the courtyard of the boarding school.

Thursday, December 5

was fully devoted to students. In the morning, a football match took place. Meanwhile, in the theatre, another match was taking place in the “Speakers club” opposing literary and biochemists. The theme of the discussion was: «Crisis, an unavoidable step on the way to development of a country.» The literary won with a score of 75/100 against 73/100 for the biochemists.
The most significant event of the day was the cultural event. It took place from 11 to 16:00. The two stars of the day, namely the Dean and the Minister of Culture, pronounced their speeches before the launch of the activities: dances, skits, fashion show and more, giving the students the opportunity to show their talents; a football match between teachers and alumni with a score of 4-6 was the final event of the day.

Friday, December 6

was essentially devoted to sport, including matches, races, gymnastics, etc. After the marathon, younger students of the primary school, under the guidance of the older ones and of the teachers made their traditional parade that culminated in shaping a large « IHS « in the field Victory 1. Around noon, the students took their Jubilee cocktail and in the evening, a performance took place by the Ballet Renaissance.

Saturday 07 December was a highly expected day that began with a Mass at 10:30 am. It was chaired by the Provincial of Central Africa, Father Ntima Kanza SJ and concelebrated by Father Augustin Karakezi SJ, the Rwanda – Burundi Regional Executive, José Minaku SJ, Dean of the College and several Jesuits and other invited guests for the occasion. After Mass, guests were welcomed in the yard of the boarding school, decorated for the occasion. Meanwhile, in the courtyard of the school, a big party was held where the guests were entertained by talented artists. Note that this closing of the Jubilee year was marked by the presence of the President of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni (UMAJ – WUJA ), Mr. Alain Deneef, Paul-Benoit de Monge (Director of the Collège Saint -Michel of Bruxelles), alumni delegations from Rwanda (ASAJE) and Burundi (ABAJ). Gifts received from these delegations were a sign of encouragement and support in organizing such a grand event.

By the quality of its organization and service, the Jubilee was a great success that we owe to the genius of our authorities, an educational team supporting the effort, the alumni/ae and students determined and committed, willing to give the best of themselves to always be above the standard of Stella Duce. Everything will pass, but the Diamond Jubilee of Alfajiri College will remain forever in the annals of history.