In July 2023, Alice Sima, RN (BSN ’83, MBA ’87), Professor Emerita of Pre-Professional Health at Benedictine University, embarked on a transformative journey to Tanzania to witness firsthand the remarkable work being carried out by three Benedictine alumnae: Sister-Doctor Beatrice Pius Kayombo, Sister Afra Gerald Mgwama, and Sister Fausta Mtweve.
All three women are members of the African Benedictine Sisters of Saint Gertrude and have dedicated their lives to improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities throughout Tanzania.
Joining Sima on the trip were her daughter Denise Bayer, RN (MPH ’92), retired pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Lisa Guay-Bhatia, psychology professor Dr. Mary Haskett, and Diane Nilan, President of HEAR US, Inc.
Though not officially sponsored by Benedictine University, the journey embodied the Benedictine values of hospitality, community, and service.
“I have such a passion for the sisters,” said Sima. “I wanted to see for myself what they have accomplished and what else we can do for them.”
The group’s first stop was Dar es Salaam, where they reunited with Sister-Doctor Beatrice.
After graduating from Benedictine University, Sister Beatrice pursued her dream of becoming a physician. She attended Poznań University Medical School in Poland and later completed her oncology residency at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam. Today, she serves as an oncologist while also treating patients at the medical center and surgical clinic in Imiliwaha.
Sister Beatrice also operates a residence for sisters undergoing cancer treatment. Rather than recovering alone in the hospital, patients stay together in a supportive environment where fellow sisters provide care and companionship during treatment.
After several days in Dar es Salaam, the travelers flew to Mbeya, traveled onward to Njombe, toured Inuka Rehabilitation Hospital, and then endured an eight-hour bus ride through rural villages before arriving in Imiliwaha.
Imiliwaha is the heart of the African Benedictine Sisters of Saint Gertrude.
Located in southern rural Tanzania, the community has grown into a self-sustaining village that includes:
During their stay, the visitors conducted medical and vision screenings, provided nutritional education, and helped identify future needs within the community. One critical need identified was an X-ray machine for the surgery center.
The arrival itself left a lasting impression.
Children greeted the visitors with flowers, music, singing, and an outpouring of joy despite the group’s late-night arrival.
“It was a moving experience to witness,” recalled Sima.
Following her studies at Benedictine University, Sister Afra returned to Tanzania and was tasked with creating a school in Sumbawanga from the ground up.
With support from donors and fundraising efforts, she transformed a single-room schoolhouse into St. Gertrude Pre and Primary School, a thriving educational campus serving more than 300 students.
“We always say that Sister Afra built the school brick-by-brick,” said Sima.
The visitors arrived carrying suitcases filled with clothing and supplies for the children. During their visit they toured classrooms, met with teachers, and identified additional needs.
One project that emerged from the visit was the purchase of playground equipment. Construction on a boys’ dormitory also began during the group’s stay and has since been completed.
The timing of the trip coincided with Sister Afra’s tenth anniversary at St. Gertrude’s School. The celebration brought together students, parents, government officials, and fellow sisters to recognize her decade of service and leadership.
In 2019, Sister Fausta returned to Kilimahewa, a village located about 50 miles south of Dar es Salaam near the Indian Ocean. There she established a second St. Gertrude Pre-Primary School and now serves as principal for students from kindergarten through seventh grade.
Once again, the visitors were welcomed with singing, flowers, and music.
“It feels like a vital part of my life,” said Sima.
The trip provided valuable insight into the school’s needs. Through fundraising efforts, Sister Fausta was able to purchase equipment that supports children’s learning, social development, and overall physical and emotional well-being.
At the center of this story is Friends of Imiliwaha (FOI), a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 to support education, healthcare, and community development initiatives in Tanzania. All FOI members are volunteers, and every dollar raised goes directly to support projects in Tanzania.
Among FOI’s accomplishments:
FOI maintains strong partnerships with supporters in both Tanzania and the United States, including Benet Academy and many members of the Benedictine University community.
The roots of these relationships stretch back more than two decades.
Sima first met Sister-Doctor Beatrice and Sister Afra in 2003 while they were attending Benedictine University and living at Sacred Heart Monastery in Lisle. Over time, their relationship evolved into something much deeper.
“We became one big family, sharing stories and taking care of each other,” said Sima.
Reflecting on the sisters’ accomplishments, Sima credits Benedictine University with helping prepare them for lives of leadership and service.
She noted that their communication skills, professionalism, and ability to collaborate with people from all backgrounds—from schoolchildren to government officials—reflect the values and education they received during their time at Benedictine.
Today, Friends of Imiliwaha continues to support the sisters’ work by raising funds for healthcare initiatives, educational opportunities, and scholarships for orphaned children throughout Tanzania.