GLOBAL GOENKARS IN EAST AFRICA
The Saint Joseph’s Convent School was a prominent school for Goan teachers and students in Stone Town, Zanzibar between 1910 and 1964. It later changed its name to Tumekuja School.
[The Goan Institute, which was subsequently renamed the Zanzibar Institute following the independence of Tanzania, is one of the oldest institutes for the Goan diaspora in East Africa. This second part of the below article was written by Julius Fernandes, for the Managing Committee of The Goan Institute, Zanzibar, on October 10, 1954, and it was published in the golden jubilee brochure of The Goan Institute, Zanzibar 1904-1954.]
After a lapse of four years, as a result of increased membership, it was observed that the interior of the building (of The Goan Institute) did not satisfy the requirements of the Institute's various activities. Certain alterations to the building had to be done at a further sacrifice of Shs. 6,000.
The alterations effected provided a spacious halt, a suitable bar room, additional airy windows, and an additional staircase. Besides these works the floor was re-cemented and the building re-roofed with corrugated iron sheets. In 1933, minor repairs were carried out at the cost of another Shs. 6,000, raised by floating new shares. The works comprised rebuilding some outer walls, reinforcing the foundations and a providing a cloakroom.
The present building is not only a place of rendezvous for the members of the Goan Institute but also serves as headquarters to the Goan Sports Club and the Union of the Community. Meetings, functions, etc. of both these Sister Institutions are held in its spacious hall. It is pleasing to record here that in this building many notable functions have been held, gentlemen of prestige and position as well as high Dignitaries of the Church and the State have been entertained at various times. It can safely be said that the Goan Institute looks after the interests of all Goans in Zanzibar with maternal solicitude throwing her gates wide open whenever necessity arises.
The activities of the Goan Institute be briefly summarised as follows:
(a) A reading room where local as well as papers from overseas and neighbouring Territories and books by various authors are available
(b) A billiard room haring a full-sized billiard table with accessories where regular annual billiard tournaments are held.
(c) Facilities for bridge and other card games are provided. This recreation is very popular among senior members.
(d) Table Tennis. This game is very popular with the younger generation. Also regular annual tournaments are held.
(e) A bar where spirits and soft drinks are available.
(f) Social gatherings, dances, performances, etc., have been regular features from the earliest time. Dances on a grand scale on occasions like Christmas, New Year, Easter and Anniversary of the Institute are the chief yearly functions. Dances and Sundowners are also organized frequently public holidays, these are very enjoyable und are at the same time means of bringing the members together.
In the beginning the roll of members on the establishment of the Goan Institute was 44. Despite the controversial points which arose in the intervening periods and explained in the foregoing paragraphs the membership steadily reached the figure of 175 at one time, but at a later stage the membership depleted to the figure of 75. This was mainly due to two factors:
(a) Retirement of members from the Protectorate, and
(b) Exit of younger generation to neighbouring territories in search of better employment.
This decline in membership shook the financial position to a great degree, and the Institute had to face many difficulties to continue its existence. This state of affairs lasted for a decade of years, then matters improved to some extent by a flow of members, and today it is pleasing to record that the Institute has 120 members on its rolls.
From the foregoing sketch it is evident that our predecessors, although faced with great difficulties both financial and otherwise, managed to keep the Institute going. The Golden Jubilee is therefore a fitting occasion for us to rejoice, but, in the midst of our rejoicings let remember them and follow their example.
The Goan Institute, a proud legacy, is ours. Let us enrich it by our sacrifices and efforts so that generations to come may look upon us as we do on our worthy predecessors. Long live the Institute.
