A short history of the School
Irente School for the Blind (hereafter abbreviated ISB) is one among the institutions within the North Eastern Diocese that were opened during the 60s. The Usambara-Digo Church, as it was called during that time, was helped by the organisation Bread for the World to build a training centre for blind children. Sr. Ursula Pomian from Germany started the work of constructing buildings at Irente in 1963. Five buildings were built and the school was opened in 1964 for girls only.
Being the first school for blind girls, it started with only 4 girls. In 1968 it was decided by the Church that the school should receive boys as well. The number of pupils has been increasing gradually. In 2001 there were 47 pupils, in 2002 the number increased to 68. Today there are 78 pupils and 15 teachers at ISB. The staff also consists of 15 non-teaching workers such as a patron, four matrons, two guards, a cook, etc.
The big challenge is to find the children. The teachers have to travel to villages and talk to parents who have blind children. These teachers also use the opportunities of informing about ISB during big gatherings such as Sunday services and village meetings.
Sr. Pomian took care of ISB until 1969. After her, the school has been under the following caretakers:
1969-1974 May Mahimbo
1975-1985 Imelda Mchome
1985-2000 Mshaghulwa Ruben
2001 - 2002 Magreth Shemhilu
2002 - 2004 Michael Hiza
2004 - Celina Magambo
The children from ISB often form a choir in the sunday service in Irente church. Here you can listen when they sing in the service of 3 August 2003.