We are building a pre-primary and primary school in Utegi to attempt something that seems impossible: to make our land flourish like the Garden of Eden. Opening in July 2026, we will begin with pre-primary and grow one grade each year on our parish campus, offering a world-class Catholic education to the sustenance farmers of this community. Instead of training young people to leave, we are committed to forming men and women who can build a Christian life — and a future — right here at home.
Introduction to St. Felista’s
Located in the semi-arid Mara region between Lake Victoria and the Serengeti, St. Felista’s Parish serves the town of Utegi and the surrounding villages. Our people, mostly sustenance farmers, do not have access to an education which empowers them to live and thrive at home. Over six years ago the people of this parish sought to begin a primary school and even built a foundation, but ultimately were not able to raise sufficient funds on their own. Now, with the presence of Holy Cross and our charism of education, we have the personnel and the know-how to establish and support a school for generations to come, perhaps even expanding eventually into a secondary or vocational school. We do not wish for St. Felista’s to be like any other Catholic or private school in Tanzania, but seek a unique and transformative vision called Eden Education.
Our Dreams: 5-Year Plan
The Primary School is only the beginning
Phase 1: Parish School (Years 1-3)
- 5 Acres at Parish
- Pre-K thru Primary 4
- 300 Local Students
Phase 2: Eden Campus (Years 4-5)
- On Parish Farm
- Primary 5 & 6
- 200 Boarding & Local Students
Phase 3: Expand & Replicate (Years 5+)
- Replicate Eden Education at other parish schools
- Expand into secondary education
- Develop Agricultural Institute
Our People: Leadership
Pastor & Director
As a parish school, Phase I will be part of St. Felista’s Parish and overseen by the pastor, who is appointed by Holy Cross in East Africa.
After 2 years, Holy Cross will appoint a dedicated school director, a priest or brother, to oversee the school.
School Board
The School Board includes the pastor, parish council chairperson, head teacher, local education leaders, and the Holy Cross provincial or delegate. Meeting quarterly, the board ensures financial accountability, supports collaboration with local leaders, and advises on the school’s mission.
Head Teacher & Director
The Head Teacher manages the day-to-day operations of the school, supervises teachers, and implements curriculum.
The Treasurer, a lay professional, is responsible for financial management, including procurement, school fees, payroll, and campus maintenance.
Mission Center & Donors
The pastor/director submits quarterly financial reports to the Mission Center to ensure transparency. The Mission Center meets biannually with donors to coordinate funding decisions, and donors are encouraged to conduct annual site visits to monitor progress and support the school’s development.
Finances and Fundraising
Because our people in Utegi do not have the resources to fund an excellent education, St. Felista’s Academy is in need of significant support to build and operate the school in the short and long term.
Phase 1 Financing: $600k over 3 years
Year 1: $200k
2 Classrooms & Admin Block: $100k
Landscaping, Restroom, Kitchen: $40k
Mini-Bus #1: $40k
Operating Expenses: $40k
Year 2: $200k
2 Classrooms: $70k
Perimeter Wall: $40k
Mini-Bus #2: $30k
Operating Expenses: $60k
Year 3: $200k
2 Classrooms: $70k
Teacher Housing: $20k
Mini-Bus #3: $30k
Operating Expenses: $80k
Long-Term Sustainability
Endowment
Once the school has demonstrated success, we will seek to endow it with $2.4M to support 300 students in perpetuity
Tuition Support
We will seek out regular donations of $35 per month or $400 per year, the cost of educating each student, to defray operating costs.
Local Contributions
While unable to cover full tuition, families will contribute in cash or in kind according to their capacity.
Updates from Utegi 