History of St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School (IPPS)
St. Ignatius Preparatory & Primary School, located in Dodoma, Tanzania, was established in 2001 with generous support from the Jesuit Provinces of Chicago-Detroit, Germany, Switzerland, FACSI, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Foundation, Inc. of Calgary, Canada.
St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School is the first of its kind to be established by the Jesuits in Tanzania. Construction began in 2000, and by 2003, the first cohort of students, comprising 45 in Kindergarten and 45 in Grade One, was enrolled.
In 2012, Jesuits Eastern Africa annual report, disclosed a nursery and primary education service record to 470 children, with a balanced enrollment of 225 boys and 245 girls, with a staffing of 40 dedicated individuals, including 23 teachers (14 men and 9 women). From onset, the school started with an operational sponsorship program that recorded an assistance to 32 children in need for the year 2012. The school continues this program in the successive years.
The Jesuit Fathers of Detroit and the U.S. Government initially laid the groundwork for the school, completing the structure up to grade 2. Recognizing the need for expansion, Our Lady Queen of Peace Foundation stepped in and joined the efforts to complete the school, extending it to include Form 7. The school was officially inaugurated in July 2006, in a ceremony attended by His Honour Mr. McAllister, the High Commissioner of Canada to Tanzania.
The school is run by the Society of Jesus Eastern Africa province and managed in partnership with the Sisters of Saint Gemma Galgani of Dodoma and is dedicated to fostering education that encourages balanced and critical thinking. The school’s mission is to develop students holistically, preparing them in all dimensions, that is intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—preparing them to be men and women for others.
Brief Education History of the Society of Jesus in Tanzania
The Society of Jesus, widely known as the Jesuits, has a long-standing tradition of educational missions worldwide, with a particular focus on forming individuals who are intellectually competent, morally grounded, and spiritually oriented. In Tanzania, the Jesuits have played a significant role in establishing educational institutions that not only provide academic excellence but also emphasise the holistic development of young men and women.
Guided by Ignatian principles, the Jesuits in Tanzania have dedicated themselves to forming leaders who are critical thinkers, socially responsible, and committed to the service of others. St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School in Dodoma is a prime example of this mission, embodying the Jesuit commitment to education that nurtures the whole person. Through their work, the Jesuits continue to impact the educational landscape in Tanzania, preparing students to contribute positively to society and uphold the values of justice and service.