In 2005/2006, Friedrich Alt, a retired businessman from Switzerland, helped out at Kibidula for six months. He did woodwork, plumbing, and different kinds of maintenance. When he left in April 2006 the entire Kibidula team was sad to see him go. They encouraged him to come back soon.
While at home, he initiated the idea of having other Swiss people join him for a four-week mission trip in 2007. The Lord blessed his idea! By late 2006, 17 people were interested and ready to launch into the adventure. They were professionals from different areas, including logging, farming, electrical, carpentry, mechanics, and more.
The group arrived in Dar-es-Salaam late in the evening on February 1, 2007. After what seemed to them a very long drive (eight hours) they arrived safely at Kibidula.
During the next three weeks, the face of Kibidula changed dramatically as these professionals repaired, maintained, and overall, helped. It was like a beehive! Suggestions were made for how things could be improved on campus, what infrastructure would be more efficient, etc. One of the major projects was the construction of a spring catchment, which will supply clean water to the Agricultural Farm units. Construction for one of the Farm units, or “Dormitories for Agricultural Students,” was started and two more will follow soon.
The Swiss group enjoyed their time in Africa. For some of them it was the first time to ever leave Europe. Special highlights were the Sabbath church services in small local villages and the game drive in Mikumi National Park.
Kibidula feels hugely blessed by the impact one person’s decision has made, multiplying into so many people coming to help. We ask God to bless all those who spent their time, money and muscle strength to help Kibidula.
Thank you very much and Welcome again!
ASANTE SANA na KARIBU TENA!
