June 2026
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings of peace and hope.
“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10
This Scripture passage was one of Sr. Mary’s favorite verses and became the guiding inspiration of the Centre’s mission and vision: to educate and empower young women to discover the gifts and potentials that God has placed within them. Through education and compassionate accompaniment, countless young women from the pastoralist and hunter-gatherer communities have found not only opportunity, but also dignity, confidence, and hope for the future.
Today, we continue this mission with renewed faith and commitment as we honor the legacy of our beloved Founder and Director, Sr. Mary, who passed away on April 30, 2026. Her life was devoted to ensuring that every young woman would know her worth and have the opportunity to grow into the person God created her to be.
Sr. Mary believed deeply that education transforms lives. She walked closely with students and families, respecting the culture and traditions of the community. She encouraged young women to recognize their strengths, talents, and dreams. Her vision created a safe and supportive place where young women could discover their voices, build confidence, and become leaders in their families and communities.
Though Sr. Mary has passed on, her mission lives on in every student whose life has been touched by the Centre. The responsibility now rests in the hands of the dedicated staff, the support of the Maryknoll Sisters, partners, and compassionate friends like you who believe in the power of education and empowerment.
One of the greatest signs of hope is the commitment of our former students to continue Sr. Mary’s legacy. Despite their own responsibilities and challenges— supporting their families, caring for their communities, and overcoming the challenges of daily life — they have chosen to give back to the Centre that once transformed their lives. Today, they serve not only as grateful alumnae, but as mentors, leaders, and role models for the next generation of young women.
As the Centre moves through this time of transition, your support is needed now more than ever. We are in the process of reshaping and strengthening the future of Emusoi as it continues its mission without Sr. Mary. While this transition brings challenges, it has also revealed the profound legacy she leaves behind. The accomplishments of the Centre are clearly visible in the lives of the young women who have grown into educators, professionals, mothers, leaders, and advocates within their communities.
Many of our students still face significant challenges — poverty, limited access to education, family hardship, and social barriers that threaten their future. Yet despite these obstacles, they carry great potential, determination, and hope. With your support, we can continue providing educational assistance, mentorship, school supplies and safe opportunities for these young women to thrive.
We humbly appeal for your financial support during this important time in the life of the Centre. Your generosity will help sustain programs that continue to transform lives and carry forward Sr. Mary’s vision for future generations. Your support is more than a donation—it is a source of hope, affirming that each young woman’s dreams, voice, and future matter.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and continued partnership in this mission. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and compassion.
With gratitude and hope,
Sr. Jareen Aquino, Ms. Teika Simango and Ms. Paulina Mesariaki Emusoi Center Management Committee
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Note: All donations should be sent to Maryknoll Sisters, ATTN: Leslie Mancuso, PO Box 311 #539, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0311. Checks should be issued in the name of “Maryknoll Sisters”, with “Emusoi Center” written on the memo line. Please include a note designating the gift for Emusoi Center, Arusha, Tanzania. You will receive an acknowledgement from Maryknoll which can be used for tax purposes. We will also send you a thank you from here. If you do not hear from us, let us know about your donation. It will take 2 months or so for us to get news of your donation. You can also contribute electronically; use this link: Maryknoll Sisters/Support Emusoi. Write “Emusoi Center/Sr. Jareen Aquino” in comment/intention field. If any of you would like to receive this newsletter by email, just write us at emusoicenter@gmail.com and let us know. Thank you!
