Audrey Veldman Vocational Training Center (AVVTC) is a program of St. Brendan’s Holy Cross Parish in Kitete, Tanzania, designed to serve roughly 150 students ranging from ages 18-22. The two-year program (Levels I and II) offers training in the following trades: electricity, carpentry, sewing/tailoring/knitting, masonry, and welding. The training center was established in partnership with the Veldman family, from the United States, to honor the loss of their beloved daughter and sister, Audrey.
Vocational training is supplemented by morning instruction in English, computer skills, mathematics, life skills, business, engineering science, with religion classes taking place every Friday. Students live at AVVTC in dorms with meals provided at the dining hall. After graduation, students are placed in the field as interns or apprentices to continue their education in their selected trade.
St. Brendan’s Holy Cross Parish is comprised of over 200 small Christian communities. Parish leadership celebrates Mass in seven outstations, coordinates local catechesis, counsels families, and organizes sacramental preparation and participation.
Since 2012, St. Brendan’s Parish and the AVVTC have partnered with the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Social Concerns to bring two students to Kitete each summer. Notre Dame students offer their service to the parish and school while learning Swahili and developing relationships with the generous Kitete community.
