2007

Dedication of John Paul Secondary School

For the village of Chelekura, the school opening was a major event . . . for the students, a gift of hope . . . for Nancy and Paul, reality!

2008

Initial Purchase of Textbooks for Each Student

An exciting moment for the students – their very own textbooks for every subject! Ultimately, this effort would become the Paul Berrigan Family Library, located in the Science and Learning Center, funded in large part by the Class of ’64 Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas.

2009

First Girl’s Dormitory

Increase in the number of female students necessitated turning a small social hall into a girls’ dormitory.

2010

New Kitchen and Installation of Solar Panels

New kitchen construction replaced the old kitchen. The first solar panels were a gift from Tim Blackwell. They were installed on the school and provided energy for one classroom and the Head Teacher’s office.

2011

Groundbreaking for the Science and Learning Center

For John Paul Secondary School to offer full college preparatory (S-5 and S-6) courses, a science and advanced learning center would be a key facility. Once again, village children look on eagerly. After all, they are the future students of JPSS.

2012

Blessing of the Daryl D. Wittich Science and Learning Center

Father Paul Buyela blesses the nearly completed Science and Learning Centerr

2013

Dedication and Grand Opening of The Daryl D. Wittich Science and Learning Center

The dedication and opening of the science center signified a step forward in the school’s development and became a celebration for the students and the village.

2014

Friends of John Paul School approved as a 501©(3)

Our US-based charity is started to support the school.

2015

First Well Drilled on JPSS Campus

The well was dedicated in memory of William Lindquist, Class of ’64 Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kansas, a former classmate. This event brought students and villagers together for a celebration.

2016

Solar Energy Arrives and the Computer Lab Is Equipped

To prepare students for the level of technology required today, the new Anne Bidigare Computer Lab opens. Note the expression on the eager students’ faces! Recognizing the importance of high quality teachers, ground was broken for a Teacher Housing Facility.

2017

Dedication of  Glen Dorie Teacher Housing and the Anne Bidigare Computer Lab, as well as the Construction of the Incinerator and Modern Latrines

It was a busy year for the school with the dedication of teacher housing and the construction of an incinerator and new latrines to support the growing campus.

2018

Dedication of the New 160 Bed Girls Dormitory

The major event that took place this year was that an increase in the number of students necessitated a new Girls Dormitory, which was dedicated.

2019

JPSS is Accredited for “A” Level Classes and First S-5 Classes Begin

The accreditation of John Paul School to “A” Advanced Level allows for all class levels up to University. It has resulted in a tremendous spurt of growth, while the school has maintained its reputation for high quality education and moral guidance.

2020

First S-6 Classes Begin and Grand Opening of 160 Bed Boy’s Dormitory

The first S-5 Class moved on to S-6 and will become the first graduating class from JPSS ready for University classes. A Boy’s Dorm similar to the Girl’s was completed to enable additional boarders and campus expansion.