Every year, the Irish Province of the SMA uses donations received to support projects in Parishes run by SMA Missionaries in Africa. Grants are given to support pastoral, social or construction projects, associated with the parish and the people who live there. They aim to bring improvements to parish structures, to provide training or to ensure suitable living conditions for SMA missionaries. Funds are granted for things such as building/roofing materials for Churches, to cover the cost of pastoral courses or to help provide basic requirements in Mission Houses where SMA Missionaries live such as water, sanitation or solar panels for lighting.
The 
photographs here show examples of past projects supported. Although the grants are for relatively small amounts and are sometimes for very mundane and basic things, they help the life of the Parish or allow SMA Missionaries the facilities they need to live to live and work. Â
This year 26 such projects were funded following applications received from SMAs working in Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Benin, South Africa and other countries. The grants will, among other things, be used to provide windows for a new Church, equip a school laboratory, renovate a Mission House and provide a fund for the Poor and Needy.
These projects are important and make a big difference in the lives of the Parishioners and SMA Missionaries who work among them. In mission Parishes, needs are always greater than the available resources. Next year again, there is no doubt that many SMAs will apply for grants to meet particular needs where they minister. Please help the Irish Province of the SMA to continue providing grants by making a donation. Click on the link and choose General Donation.  DONATE Â
This year Fr Josephat Nzioka SMA, photographed here, received a grant to put windows in the new Parish Church that he is building at Bwiru near Mwanza in Tanzania (click on the photos to enlarge).