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Professor Father Michael J. Kelly S.J.

May 20, 1929 - January 15, 2021

A native of Tullamore, County Offaly, Professor Father Michael J Kelly SJ. was born in 1929. He studied at University College Dublin and was awarded a B.A. in Maths and Mathematical Physics in 1952, both with first class honours. He went on to receive a licentiate in philosophy in 1955. He then moved to Zambia and lived and worked there for over 50 years, becoming a Zambian citizen. He worked for many years as headmaster of Canislius College in Chiseki in Zambia. Father Michael completed his PhD studies in the area of child and educational psychology in 1974 and subsequently became a senior lecturer and Dean of the School of Education in the University of Zambia (UNZA), in 1975. He served as pro-vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor and became professor in 1989. He is a renowned speaker and advocate on HIV and AIDS, and has worked tirelessly to educate and promote safe behaviour among youth and those most at risk in Zambia, throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and much further afield. He is also active in other policy areas, such as strategies for HIV prevention, and human rights. A prolific researcher and writer, Father Michael has authored 15 books, and many original research articles. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Father Michael has worked as a consultant to organisations such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, the FAO, UNAIDS, Oxfam, Irish Aid, and many more.

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breda.gahan 2021-01-24 23:08:33 wrote:

Breda Gahan, Concern Worldwide Posting here from Fr. Michael's own e-mail about his brother last year, - Paul Durcan and Joe Kelly - The poem about Joe One of Joe’s students during his years at St. Peter’s was a daughter of Mary Higgins Clark, the highly acclaimed US mystery novelist Mary and Joe became close friends and remained so for more than 40 years. Once, in a light-hearted moment, she dubbed him ‘Father Broadway’, a name that stayed with him. After his death in 2008 she dedicated to him one of her books, I’ll Walk Alone, with the words: Always a twinkle in this Jesuit’s eye // Always a smile on his handsome face //Always faith and compassion overflowing his soul // He was the stuff of which saints are made // When all heaven protested his absence // His Creator called him home. Exactly the same can be said about Fr. Michael. RIP. A great human being. A great teacher, educator, communicator, passionate about stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS, human rights and particularly the rights of women and girls. A kind man. A humorous man. Missed by many friends and colleagues in Ireland and Zambia. I will miss his e-mails, always inquisitive, cheerful and increasing my learning every time. From Dublin to Lusaka, Rest in Peace Fr. Michael. Breda G x x

breda.gahan 2021-01-24 23:08:33 wrote: Breda Gahan, Concern Worldwide Posting here from Fr. Michael's own e-mail about his brother last year, - Paul Durcan and Joe Kelly - The poem about Joe One of Joe’s students during his years at St. Peter’s was a daughter of Mary Higgins Clark, the highly acclaimed US mystery novelist Mary and Joe became close friends and remained so for more than 40 years. Once, in a light-hearted moment, she dubbed him ‘Father Broadway’, a name that stayed with him. After his death in 2008 she dedicated to him one of her books, I’ll Walk Alone, with the words: Always a twinkle in this Jesuit’s eye // Always a smile on his handsome face //Always faith and compassion overflowing his soul // He was the stuff of which saints are made // When all heaven protested his absence // His Creator called him home. Exactly the same can be said about Fr. Michael. RIP. A great human being. A great teacher, educator, communicator, passionate about stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS, human rights and particularly the rights of women and girls. A kind man. A humorous man. Missed by many friends and colleagues in Ireland and Zambia. I will miss his e-mails, always inquisitive, cheerful and increasing my learning every time. From Dublin to Lusaka, Rest in Peace Fr. Michael. Breda G x x

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