St. Mary’s Newala School Ranks Third Nationwide in Tanzania

Written By Bexs Nelson

St. Mary’s Newala Pre- and Primary English Medium School has achieved a remarkable national distinction, ranking third among all schools in Tanzania on the 2025 Standard 7 leaving examination.

Out of more than 17,000 schools across the country, St. Mary’s Newala earned a score of 224 out of 300, receiving a Grade A – Excellent rating. In addition to its third-place national ranking overall, the school placed first across multiple other educational levels, marking an extraordinary achievement for students, staff, and the wider Newala community.

The school currently serves 434 students—205 girls and 229 boys. With the release of these examination results, the current Standard 7 students are now promoted to Form One in Tanzanian secondary schools. One student has already been placed at Chidya Secondary School in Masasi, a meaningful connection for long-time Companion Diocese partner Neil Radtke, who taught chemistry there from 1967–1969 while serving on mission from the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee.

St. Mary’s Newala is supported by the CMM Sisters of Tanzania and Zambia, whose dedication to education, health, and community development continues to bear visible fruit. The photographs accompanying this update were provided by Sr. Debora, CMM, who is deeply involved in both the construction and daily operation of the school. In addition to her work in education, Sr. Debora also provides ultrasound services at the local government hospital, following her medical training at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in 2019. That training was made possible through financial support from the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, and her ministry continues to serve the community today.

This milestone reflects not only academic excellence, but also the long-standing partnership between the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin and the Diocese of Newala, rooted in mutual prayer, shared ministry, and faithful accompaniment.

Supporting the Companion Diocese of Newala

Those wishing to support projects in the Companion Diocese of Newala may:

  • Send a check to the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin with “Newala” noted in the memo line, or

  • Donate online via the diocesan website by clicking Donate and selecting “Newala” from the drop-down menu.

— Submitted by Neil Radtke and the Rev. Oswald Bwechwa, Companion Diocese Committee Members

Bexs Nelson
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