Peramiho Girls
Secondary School
A Brief History
In 1946 Sr. Richardis starts the Girls' Middle School in Peramiho. This is the first school in the Ruvuma Region where girls can obtain an education beyond the primary school level. Abbot Bishop Eberhard Spiss, OSB, who strongly advocats education for women, supports her efforts. For several years a domestic school is associated with the middle school. The school flourished as more and more people recognized its importance for the future of their daughters.
In 1968 the school is registered as a private secondary school for girls under the management and ownership of the Benedictine Fathers of Peramiho Abbey. Sr. Ludovica Koch, OSB, a missionary from the Norfolk Priory in Nebraska, USA, is the first headmistress when the school opens in January 1968 with 33 students in Form I. The initial teaching staff consists of Sr. Prisca Komba, OSB, Sr. Cassia Zistler, OSB, and Fr. Bosco Brunner, OSB.
In 1969 Sr. Ludovica returns to the States and is succeeded as headmistress by Sr. M. Elisabeth Sarinas, OSB, who comes from the Philippines together with Sr. Anselma Paler OSB, a teacher. Sr. Frideswida Ick, OSB, arrives from Manila to teach chemistry.
The cookery department is added in 1970 under Sr. Hereswida Zettler, OSB, and the teacher textile needlework department in 1975 under Sr. Martina Dreyer, OSB. When, Sr. Elisabeth Sarinas is elected prioress in 1971, a former student teacher and dean, Sr. M. Bonaventura Kilowoko, OSB, assumes the responsibility as headmistress.
Since 1994 the secondary school becomes a high school including Form V and VI. In 1995 the Missionary Benedictine Fathers of Peramiho Abbey hand the ownership and management of the school to the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing. Since 1994 it is called Peramiho Girls Secondary School.
