We are grateful to Loyola University for convening the Catholic School Vision 2020 Leadership Development meetings to forward the vision of a cohesive and effective system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Nsukka, Nigeria. Gratitude goes to Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Bishop Francis Okobo, Fr. Michael Garanzini, S.J., and the Loyola University Center for Catholic School Effectiveness, School of Education, and to Sr. Mary Paul McCaughey, O.P. and the Office of Catholic Schools for their assistance in shaping the plan for change. Our gratitude extends to the Catholic schools and parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Archdiocesan Principals Association, the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of St. Agnes and the members of the Committee of Interests who have shared their talent and skill with Nsukka Catholic school leaders and educators. The delegation represents the Diocesan Education Commission and the Diocesan Education Committee who have worked tirelessly to shape a vision for change for the children and youth of Nigeria. Nno! Welcome!

Esther Hicks and Fr. Odo represent their respective dioceses

 in this collaboration and appreciate all those helping in the project.

Nsukka Delegation Wecomed This Afternoon

Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred O. Odo, JCD joins Rev. Fr. Fidelis Ikpe in the presentation of the Kola nut, seven were send by Rev, Bishop Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo, with the delegation of eight diocesan educators for study at Loyola University in Chicago. The welcome gathering was held Sunday afternoon September 16, 2012. The Kola nut is an important symbol in the Nigerian belief system. Breaking the Kola nut is part of any welcoming ceremony. Among the Ibos, the Kola nut is broken by the youngest person present. "He who brings Kola nut brings life" is a popular expression in many parts of Nigeria.Tell your Kola nut story in your comments.

Summer Delegation to Nsukka

The Chicago Catholic New World published several articles about this trip. Enjoy them all here are their links. Tell us what you think about the project with your comments below

Bringing Montessori to Africa 

For the children: How we are connecting to Nigeria 

Coming to realize we’re all called to ‘mission’

Vision 2020 Shared

Rev. Fr. Wilfred Odo, Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Chuck Newman of Schools for the Children of the World and Esther Hicks of the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Education begin the Committee of Interest Meeting with introductions and prayers. The reports from last month's delegation were well received by those gathered. Watch for the link to the White Paper describing Vision 2020.

Archdiocesan team arrives safely in Nsukka on Friday June 25th.

Archdiocesan Team Members
Esther S. Hicks, OCS Director of Catholic Identity and Mission and USA Project Coordinator
Sr. Barbara Jean Ciszek, CSJ, Principal, Cardinal Bernardin Early Childhood Center  
Joyce Duriga, Editor, Catholic New World, Newspaper for the Archdiocese of Chicago  
Carol R. Fendt, PhD, Co-Director, PRAIRIE Group, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jeanne Henry, Teacher, Holy Family Catholic Academy
By arriving a few days before the large meetings, team members could reconnect with their friends from earlier visits. Pray for Fr. John who is hospitalized with a stroke. The Bishop was happy to meet with the team on Saturday and showed the Kola Nut. This story telling tradition helps to strengthen the shared history among friends. The local Education Committee met with the Archdiocesan Team in the afternoon to review the schedule and presentations for the following weeks.

Great News for Nsukka!

Chuck Newman and Dr. Patricia Merryweather returned from Nsukka on Easter Sunday after a week of site visits and planning meetings. Greetings from all of our friends in Nsukka and gratitude to Chuck and Dr. Merryweather for their remarkable work on behalf of all those working on this partnership!  Enjoy their graphic report below, use the arrow to open it in a new window.

Join this action to get our schools built!

Chuck Newman announces: Over the past 14 years, I have probably bored you to tears about the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to work with as we, Schools for the Children of the World, (SCW) helped to plan, design and build schools in many countries around the world. 

FINALLY, we have planned  an event in Naperville, Illinois where you will be able to meet these extraordinary people and experience the cultures, hors d'oeuvres, wine, and sounds of the countries we work in.  You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with people we have worked with for many years from Honduras, Haiti, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and India.  You will also get to meet both students and adults that have traveled with us over the years.

Please join us for an unforgettable opportunity to make new friends and learn what SCW is doing to make a difference for children and families all over the world.  Join us for :

School Aid

Saturday evening, November 12, 2011, from 7:00-9:30 PM

at the Alfred Rubin Community Center

305 W. Jackson Avenue   Naperville, Illinois

$75/person               dress is informal

Make Reservations at:  http://scw-2011.eventbrite.com/