Gonzaga Preparatory and Primary School: A Legacy of Education, Service, and Faith

Our Story and Origins

Gonzaga Preparatory and Primary School, located in Kigogo, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was founded in 2008 as a response to the pressing need for quality education for disadvantaged children in the Mabibo area. The school’s origins trace back to 2005 during the 10th anniversary celebration of Loyola High School. A visit by Mr. Patrick Doherty, his wife Maureen, their daughter Siobhan, and Father Joe Daoust, S.J., alongside members of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Foundation, revealed the hardships faced by orphans and vulnerable children in the region. Inspired by the commitment of Loyola High School students in their community service, this encounter sparked a new mission—to provide a nurturing and academically excellent environment for underprivileged children.

The Jesuit Fathers, in collaboration with the Doherty family and dedicated supporters, laid the foundation for Gonzaga. Construction quickly followed, culminating in the school’s inauguration by His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo on January 26, 2008. Before the formal opening, the school welcomed its first 200 students on January 14, 2008, offering classes from pre-standard one to standard three. From the outset, Gonzaga emphasized academic rigor and holistic formation, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds, particularly orphans and those in need, could access a transformative education.

Growth, Leadership, and Academic Excellence

Over the years, Gonzaga has flourished, consistently producing outstanding Standard 7 graduates who have secured placements in top Jesuit secondary schools and other prestigious institutions. Its commitment to academic excellence has been guided by dedicated directors and head teachers. The school has benefited from the leadership of notable Jesuit Fathers, including Father Jerome Manyahi, S.J., Father Stephen Marandu, S.J., Father Evarist Shigi, S.J., and several others, with Scholastic Humphrey Maganga, S.J., currently at the helm. Likewise, committed head teachers, including Sister Elisabeth Syaghuswa, O.D.N., have played a vital role in maintaining high educational standards and student welfare.

Gonzaga’s diverse and experienced faculty, comprising educators from East and Central Africa, South Africa, Europe, and America, has enriched the learning environment. Volunteers from the United States and collaborations with St. Lawrence of England through teacher exchange programs have further broadened the school’s educational perspective.

Milestones and Achievements

Gonzaga has celebrated several key milestones, most notably its 10th Anniversary in 2018, attended by distinguished guests such as His Eminence Archbishop Marek Solczynski, government officials, Jesuit Fathers, and the school community. Other significant moments include the visits of student delegations from St. Ignatius College in Zambia (2018) and Boston College High School in the USA (2017), fostering global cultural exchange.

In recent years, Gonzaga has embraced digital education through the Profuturo Project, enhancing digital literacy for students and teachers. Sustainability initiatives, such as environmental stewardship programs, have also been incorporated into the curriculum. The school’s academic excellence has been widely recognized, with Gonzaga ranking among the top primary schools in Dar es Salaam.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Gonzaga Preparatory and Primary School operates under a strong Jesuit identity that shapes its philosophy and daily life.

Mission: Becoming Men and Women for Others

nspired by Jesuit values, Gonzaga seeks to develop students who are not only intellectually competent but also morally responsible and service-oriented. The mission emphasizes service to others, empathy, social responsibility, and ethical leadership. Community service is an integral part of the school culture, with students actively participating in outreach programs, environmental conservation, and advocacy for social justice.

Vision: Seeking the Greater Glory of God

Rooted in the Jesuit motto Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the Greater Glory of God), Gonzaga aims to nurture students who strive for excellence in all aspects of life. The school fosters spiritual growth, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to justice, ensuring that students recognize their talents as gifts meant for the betterment of society.

Motto: Education for Love and Service

Gonzaga believes that true education extends beyond academics—it nurtures love, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. The school integrates values of kindness, empathy, and social justice into its curriculum, ensuring that students grow into responsible global citizens.

A Future Rooted in Purpose

As Gonzaga continues to expand, its legacy of excellence, faith, and service remains at the core of its mission. Through academic innovation, international collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to social responsibility, the school stands as a beacon of hope, shaping the future of Tanzania by empowering young minds with knowledge, integrity, and compassion.