March 2023
In 2001, Sr. Barbara Dakoske and Sr. Elizabeth Harris moved to Nigeria from Detroit at the invitation of John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, and began ministry of the Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria parish in Abuja.
After more than 20 years of growth in Nigeria, Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary along with Home Visitors Associates are blessed to serve ministries in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, and in nearby Gwagwalada, and in Ichama, Benue State, and in more remote outstation areas. Ministries include service as teachers, school administrators, catechetical leaders and youth ministers.
Bring the Light of Christ to the Minds and Hearts of Nigeria’s youth by Continuing to Provide Schools and Day Care!
Map and articles below show locations of and some details from schools where Sisters currently serve:
Our Lady of the Rosary Nursery &Primary School is located in the rural area of Kpaduma II, Guzape District of Abuja. It was established in 2003 to enable rural dwellers to have access to quality education at no cost. For many years, the school was sustained by donations from good- spirited people. As the years continued, running the school on a free tuition basis became unrealistic. Tuition payment: and other necessary fees were introduced. The school has a population of 185 pupils, both Christians and Muslims in 9 classes (pre-nursery to primary 6), and a staff strength of 15 including 9 teaching staff, 3 administrative staff and 2 support staff. Two of our Sisters are among the staff members in the school.
Due to the harsh economic situation in our country, many families are not able to .afford the school fees. Therefore we solicit for assistance from individuals and groups in order to reduce the number of out-of-school children, provide an enabling ]earning environment, and give the pupils the opportunity to acquire basic education. -Sr. Winifred Umoh.
Sr. Chioma Unomah, Sr: Monica. Etokodoh and Sr. Patience Ochoohe are serving at St. Anthony nursery and primary school in Plateau state, the newest Catholic diocese of Pankshin. There are 15 staff members working with the sisters at the day care nursery and school.
Home Visitors of Mary School in Abuda is a missionary school with the motto “Learn to love, Love to learn”. It provides creche, pre-nursery, nursery primary school facilities. Established on the foundation of Moral, Academic and Excellence. Every Friday is a day of reflection, taking 30 minutes out in the morning to meditate and share on the readings of the next Sunday. Applying it to our lives and asking God for more grace and wisdom to be able to guide the children in the right direction. – Sr. Marymartha Mbah
Greetings from Benue state. The students of St. Joseph and Mary’s secondary school KORJNYA, send their regards. The students, ages 10 to 19, make up a population of 236 students. They have really improved in their behavior, academics, and attendance. The most basic challenge continues to be financial. Some students are still owing school fees for the previous two terms, The senior class students are writing their final exams – West African examination. We deeply appreciate your support and sponsorship. – S. Sylvia
Read more about Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary in Nigeria at HVM in Nigeria
Study facts about Nigeria itself at Nigeria Facts & Maps