A Key Partner in Jesuit Education: USAID/ASHA

By Brigid Ard

Fr. Tony Wach, SJ, at the grand opening of Ocer Campion Jesuit College’s new science building.

Earning an international in education has been no simple feat for the Jesuits; there is much to do to create accessible schools offering quality academics. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is instrumental in these efforts. Founded in 1961, USAID aims to establish public diplomacy and developmental assistance abroad.

The relationship between the Jesuits and USAID American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) began in 1995 with the establishment of Loyola High School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The first grants were used to build an administrative building and classrooms. In 2022, the school received $772,000 to add a dormitory, thus officially becoming a boarding school.

Following that success, the efforts expanded. Ocer Campion Jesuit College in Gulu, Uganda—founded by Fr, Tony Wach, SJ, in 2010—has received grants totaling $1.6 million, including funding for a kitchen and dining hall, dormitory, and science hall.

USAID/ASHA’s grants have also benefitted St. Peter Claver High School in Dodoma, Tanzania (previously led by Fr. Martin Connell, SJ), which has received $500,000 for the construction of school buildings. The impact of these grants is incalculable, and the possibilities presented by education are limitless.

“With over $8.8 million in ASHA grants received to date, these schools would not be what they are today if not for the Jesuits’ commitment to education and USAID/ ASHA’s partnership and commitment to public diplomacy abroad and instilling American ideals and values,” said Ann Power Greene, senior director of grants for the Midwest Jesuits.

ASSIGNMENTS

Br. Jim Boynton, SJ, has been named president of University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy.

Fr. R.J. Fichtinger, SJ, has been named pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Fr. Paul Mueller, SJ, has been named superior of the Jesuit Community of the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome.

Fr. James Sand, SJ, has been named director of mission for St. John’s Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio.

Fr. Jack Treloar, SJ, has been named superior of the Jesuit Retreat House Community in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Fr. Matt Walsh, SJ, has been named pastor of St. John’s Parish in Omaha.

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER

Father Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, shares a joyous moment with Katie Montez, dean of students at Red Cloud Indian School, following a memorial Mass for Nicholas Black Elk at St. Agnes Church in Manderson, South Dakota.