In October, the College of Theology completed the last term of their academic year.  Thirty Students are training to become ministers for Malawi’s growing churches.  Students and staff have worked very hard to complete learning and teaching assignments.  Following a 2 week break, the students began practical work in various congregations as assigned by the Synod.

Students, faculty and staff are very appreciative of the assistance they have received to complete their building projects – a classroom block, kitchen and dining facility and men’s hostel.  Their new campus is taking shape and the location is inspirational. Students were so excited about their new dorm, they moved in before the electricity was available!  Candles and lanterns have helped and the living space is quite comfortable.

The new campus classrooms – a beautiful place.  Dorm rooms accommodate 4 in bunk beds.

If theology students do not know how to ride a bicycle when they arrive, they soon learn.  Ministers in training use bikes to travel to their church assignments.  Most ministers do not own or have access to a car.  Many use bicycles to travel to remote locations in their parishes.  Other transportation options are too expensive.

The college is progressing with curriculum development to align its syllabi with the University of Livingstonia requirements and is implementing changes as possible.  Fifteen students previously pursuing their diploma in theology from the University of Malawi through the TEEM program, have been transferred to the University of Livingstonia College of Theology diploma in theology program. 

In addition, plans are underway to introduce a bachelor of theology (BTh) degree by distance education.  The degree program will take approximately 3 years to complete as ministers enrolled will study at their work locations.  They will attend seminars once or twice a year at the College of Theology.  The program is slated to begin in January 2007.

Nineteen serving ministers participated in a Continuing Education program themed “Update on Theology in African Perspective.”  The course was highly successful and provided an exciting opportunity for participants.  Seventeen spouses of students appreciated two-weeks of Wives’ School to help them learn about their role in the ministry.  Participants did well.

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VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

Enhance Life at Unilia and Provide Much Needed Encouragement

Many visitors come to Malawi to learn about CCAP Synod of Livingstonia activities and programs. This year, many came specifically to see the development of Unilia and its constituent colleges and to lend a hand.

Dr. Joe Dolezal, an optometrist and Rotarian from Centralia, Washington, led a group of 17 eye specialists who held eye clinics at Bandawe and at Livingstonia.  Accompanying Joe were his wife, Patti and their three children.  The team was enhanced by volunteer Malawians who helped interpret for patients and to dispense glasses.  In a tremendous 3 day effort, more than 1,100 people were assisted. The team also toured Livingstonia to learn more about the university and received an update on the Livingstonia Community Water Project sponsored in part by Joe’s Centralia Rotary Club.

Rev. Arthur Christie and a team from Monkton and Prestwick North Presbyterian Church in Scotland made an overnight trip to Livingstonia specifically to see the campus and to learn about Unilia.  They met with

the Kirks and Unilia personnel and took a tour of facilities.

The Christies hosted Rev. and Mrs. Nkhoma during their 6 month “Faith Share” stay in Scotland in 2005.  Their Ayr Presbytery has partnered with Bandawe Mission Station, but also remains interested in the university.  To begin, their church will support 2 College of Education students until they graduate.

Donna Chirwa of Ohio, spent 2 weeks providing financial management and accounts practices seminars for Unilia administrators and staff and Synod personnel.  These “no frills” short courses were quite popular and very informative.  Participants gave Donna very high marks.

Rev. Rudy Beard and a team from Jefferson City, Missouri spent days at Livingstonia to learn about Unilia and to receive a presentation about the Livingstonia Community Water Project being supported by 5 Rotary Clubs from their area.  This contact comes through Rotarian John Howland who has helped engage the Rotarians in the water project and who is supportive of the Kirks work in Malawi.

Pavel Paluchnik, former classmate of Rev. Binnie Mwakasungula at Union Theological College in Belfast, Ireland, spent several weeks getting to know Synod projects and working as a volunteer at Livingstonia.  An energetic, young minister in the making, Pavel took home many fond memories and a desire to continue to help the Synod.

Four Ministers from Washington State toured Synod facilities and visited both campuses of the University of Livingstonia.  Rev. Lynn Longfield, general presbyter of the Olympia Presbytery, led the group including Rev. Barb Schacht from Westminster Presbyterian, Rev. Bill Schacht serving in Tacoma, and Rev. Melody Young from the Seattle area. They came to distribute 12 sewing machines and sewing supplies to help women begin small businesses and to learn more about the lives of women in Malawi.  Additionally, they came to hear about Unilia – Hooray!  (see story “International News.”)

Who received more blessings? Givers of gifts or recipients?

These women to women gatherings are extraordinary!

In 2005, the Kirks met now retired Rev. Drew and Mrs. Roberta Moore in Lurgan, Northern Ireland.  The Moores traveled to Malawi in 2006 and met briefly with the Kirks at Livingstonia for an update. 

Will they return to help Unilia?

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U.S./Malawi Administrative Exchanges Assist

University and Constituent Colleges

Rev. Matiya and Mrs. Mariya Nkhoma spent the month of April 2006 in U.S.A. promoting Unilia.  The Nkhomas traveled with the Kirks throughout Washington state and California speaking on behalf of the university and all 5 colleges. 

The Kirks and Nkhomas joined Rev. Vernon Elgin

 at Little Church on the Prairie for a Malawi show!

They helped individuals and groups understand the importance of the development of the first Christian university in Malawi.  In addition, Rev. Nkhoma spent time working with Rev. Lynn Longfield, general presbyter for Olympia Presbytery, planning a partnership between Olympia Presbytery and the Synod of Livingstonia.  This partnership will focus on ways in which churches in the U.S. can interact with and support the constituent colleges of Unilia.  The Nkhomas continued to help strengthen the relationship between Americans and Malawians. 

In 2005 at 78, Rev. Elgin taught a semester of Bible knowledge at the College of Education.  He continues to be an advocate of the university and invited the Kirks and Nkhomas to join him for a Malawi presentation to his former congregation.

Dr. Glen Nutter completed a nine month tour in Malawi in May 2006.  Dr. Nutter handed over reports and responsibilities which he had undertaken during the Kirks’ absence shortly after the Nkhomas and Kirks returned to Malawi.  Dr. Nutter is no stranger to education and brings vast experience as former superintendent of schools in Yelm, Washington.  His expertise is varied and most appreciated.

Unilia staff Chiza Mkandawire, Joseph Lungu & Mary Mtawali helped bid farewell to Dr. Nutter. 

They are excited that he will return to Malawi in 2007.

As a volunteer administrator, Dr. Nutter worked tirelessly to direct building projects, to move forward various Unilia initiatives and to help grow the College of Education.  Known for his thoughtful approach to matters, Dr. Nutter was sought out to assist with several issues at hand.  Gratefully, Unilia administration has learned that Dr. Nutter will return to Malawi in January 2007 to again bridge the time the Kirks are in the United States on interpretive leave.

Dr. Henry and Mrs. Jenny Kirk concluded a 5+ month tour in Malawi on 12 October 2006, their longest visit thus far.  Both report many accomplishments and challenges during this fourth year of Unilia’s history. 

Overall, the Kirks are pleased that the umbrella organization is taking hold and that each of the 5 colleges is moving ahead with development and upgrading of curriculum.  They are proud to represent the university not only in Malawi, but in the U.K. and the U.S. as well. 

Unilia is acquiring quite a following abroad.  The Kirks will return to Malawi in May 2007 following interpretation leave in the U.S.

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Dr. Augustine Msiska arrived in Washington State, U.S.A. on 17 March 2006 to serve as the 2006 Visiting Professor at Centralia College.  Accompanying him was his wife, Ninas.  Together they became part of the Centralia/Chehalis communities contributing much to cross-cultural understanding by speaking to various men’s and women’s groups, service clubs (like the American Association of University Women, Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs) and church organizations. 

Dr. Jim Walton, president of Centralia College, with Dr. Augustine Msiska

Augustine spent part of the 3 month appointment lecturing in African History.  As librarian and administrator for Unilia, his interaction in the U.S. went far beyond the classroom.   Dr. Msiska spent many hours learning about U.S. library systems and practices and attending administrative meetings at Centralia College.

Of his time there, Dr. Msiska states, “It was a marvelous experience Ninas and I will never forget.”  The Centralia/Chehalis communities benefited tremendously from the Msiskas’ presence.  they have contributed to long-lasting good will.

Ninas Msiska speaking at AAUW meeting – both she and

 Augustine contributed much to cross-cultural understanding

 by sharing the Malawian story.

Newly-appointed PCUSA Regional Liaison for Southeast Africa, Rev. Ted and Mrs. Sue Wright visited the Synod along with Doug Welch, PCUSA Africa Area Coordinator.  The purpose of their trip was to introduce the Wrights who base in Lusaka to CCAP personnel.  The Kirks were given a brief opportunity to speak with them.  Follow-up conversations and visits will be in order.

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Jan and Bob Baxter from Scotland have returned to Malawi.  Bob is working on various construction projects while Jan is volunteering at the College of Education teaching short courses in communications and tutoring students who need help with English.  Jan comes with extensive background in teaching.  She comes prepared with many handouts so that her students “will have something for their portfolio” when they are done.  Thank you, Jan.

Maurice Patterson and a team from Carryduff, Ireland came to

Livingstonia to work on a guardian shelter for David Gordon Memorial Hospital.  The team was updated on Unilia and provided funds to help maintain staff housing and to build “Carryduff Cupboards” for students to use to store their belongings.  

The prototype of the cupboard proved too small for general use, but another test version will be constructed.  Students are anxious to have storage compartments in their dorms.  This is a priority for 2007.

Judith Richerzhagen and 2 nursing students from Wenatchee, Washington, toured Synod facilities and programs for 2 weeks.  They spent extra time at Ekwendeni with the College of Nursing.  Joey O’Reilly and Erica Reinfeld departed with many ideas of how they might assist.

Judith remained to help tutor at the College of Nursing and to teach Nursing Psychology.  Judith has worked to secure textbooks which are very helpful.

Good friend, Jim Nussbaumer, one of the organizers of the Malawi Network in the U.S. and a Marion Medical Mission coordinator, stopped by Livingstonia to check in on the university, to view the progress of the Livingstonia campus, and to see the Livingstonia Community Water Project for himself.  His e-mail passed along to the Malawi Network the recent plea for assistance for the College of Education which generated additional unrestricted funds.  Thank you, Jim for your timely message.

For seven days, the Kirks hosted son, Christopher Straus, and grandson, Nathan (10 years old).  Chris was interested in showing Nathan that not everyone lives as comfortably or in the same manner as they do.  The two were immersed in Malawian culture visiting offices, churches, primary and secondary schools and interacting with as many Malawians – particularly those willing to play soccer – as possible.  They brought with them friendship and many small gifts for distribution.  “Mission accomplished!” reports Chris.  “Nathan and I have had a life-changing experience.  We have been blessed through this visit. 

Thank you Malawi.”                                                              

Nathan & Chris visited villages bringing the gift of friendship

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Malawi  News – Grants and Synod Action

Enable Progress for Unilia

The University of Livingstonia College of Education, was able to welcome 55 freshmen as a result of a MK 3,000,000 (about $22,000) grant from Dossani Trust located in Blantyre.  Trustee Dino Raval presented a check to Jake Muwamba, chair of the Unilia fund-raising committee, who thanked the trust for its continuing support of the new college.  Muwamba remarked that Dossani Trust is a fine example of commitment to higher education.  The funds were used to help purchase everything necessary to accommodate the fourth intake of students (beds, utensils, etc.) and to help offset expenses related to the teaching practice exercise for senior students.

The Synod of Livingstonia General Assembly passed 2 proposals which will greatly assist Unilia development.  The General Assembly of the Synod met 22-27 September at Bandawe and voted to:  1) establish the second Sunday in November each year as “University Sunday” to benefit the university and 5 constituent colleges; and 2) seek funding to build a new secondary school at Livingstonia and to begin to turn over the Laws campus to Unilia.  These 2 items will answer some of the needs of the expanding College of Education.

The university community celebrated the completion of the University Library and Computer Center dedicated at the Livingstonia Campus on 10 October 2006.  Special guests at the ceremony included George Partridge, C.E.O. of National Bank of Malawi, which funded the library expansion and furnishings.  Mrs. Abby Pratt, accompanied by her husband, Larry Pratt, represented the Dickler Family Foundation of New York City which gave funds to renovate the original library and converted it into office space and the computer center.

Students, faculty and invited guests gathered for the dedication.  Professor J. David Rubadiri, chair of the Unilia Board of Trustees, helped thank donors for their contribution to the institution.

George Partridge and Abby Pratt ably represented National Bank of Malawi and the Dickler Family Foundation respectively.  The Library Project was a wonderful example of cooperative effort of two donors to provide a much needed library facility for the university. 

Thank You both.

The building construction and renovation was supervised by Livingstonia Technical College instructor, Albert Kayange, and utilized local talent.  The new extension essentially doubled the size of the facilities.  This is a marvelous facility for students, faculty and staff.

Additionally, Dr. Augustine Msiska received on behalf of Unilia, $3,000 worth of text and reference books from the Reserve Bank of Malawi.  The books are a significant contribution to the library.  This is the third such grant and Dr. Msiska hopes this expression of support will continue. 

An important work in progress – the Synod continues to work with Ministries of Education and of Human Resources towards full accreditation of Unilia.  In 2002, the Synod began the process of receiving government approval.  The implications of this are far-reaching and affect everything from fund-raising to the employability in government institutions of graduates of the colleges.  Unilia has responded to a set of criteria and submitted a long, detailed report addressing areas of concern.  An official visit expected in November will enable the Ministry of Human Resources evaluation and decision by the end of 2006.

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The university is helping facilitate the Livingstonia Community Water Project being funded by Rotary International.  More than 20 Rotary clubs from the United States have joined with RC Mzuzu (the host club) to raise $500,000 to provide a new gravity flow water system for the plateau and surrounding villages.  Eventually, over 15,000 people will have access to safe water and improved sanitation methods will be put into place. 

Henry and Jenny Kirk, both Rotarians, have brought together groups responding to this need.  Rotarian Bob Wubbena of Washington state is coordinating the grant process and acts as liaison with Water For People, a consortium of thousands of water experts who assist with projects all over the world.  Jim McGill of CCAP Synod of Livingstonia has formed a team to implement the project phases.  Anthony Delefa, a water expert from Tanzania, is the project engineer and the Livingstonia Community Water Management team represents the community to be served.  Livingstonia Technical College is providing storage space and accounts assistance; the university is providing accounts assistance and leadership.  The community is providing manual labor, some supplies and long-term leadership.  The benefit for the colleges located at Livingstonia is that, as they grow, their water needs will be met.  

About 50 village chiefs and other leaders gathered at Livingstonia to hear about the Livingstonia Community Water Project

University House water tank

Part of the Livingstonia Community Water Project will benefit university housing.  Two raised tanks have been installed to improve the water pressure and delivery of water to Overtoun Hall (men’s hostel) and to University House used for adjunct faculty and visitors.  THANK YOU ROTARY INTERNATIONAL.

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Carolin Pohlmann of the German Embassy meets with registrar, Binnie Mwakasungula and vice chancellor, Henry Kirk

A MK 1.5 million (over $10,000) grant from the German government has been awarded to Unilia to renovate and expand Roxburgh Hall, the dining facility for the College of Education.  Construction is being supervised by Albert Kayange of Livingstonia Technical College.  This addition will help ease the difficulty of serving students in the limited space currently available.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Again, for 2006-07, students, faculty and university administration will be supported by grants from the University of Livingstonia Foundation.  The foundation awarded MK 1.6 million (about $12,000) to deserving students at the College of Education.  Awards, based on need and merit, are not guaranteed for the next academic year.  An additional MK 1.6 million was allocated for faculty and administrative needs.

In addition, several student sponsors contribute to the cost of educating their student through the foundation.  This gives the donor the income tax deduction and gives the student assurance that funds will reach the university in a timely fashion.  Many are participating – A nurse, Cindy Hill helps 1 young man; Dr. Louise Rogers, a doctor, supports 4 students; Ms Ole Nelson, a former peace corps volunteer, supports 1; 2 brothers are assisted by Kathy Hensley who knows their mother well.  Several others are assisted by gifts from members of the Chehalis/Centralia communities.

Recipients Elcana Chihana, Jane Chikapa, Siphewe Masola, and Rachel Munthali

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Revs. Munthali and Nkhoma welcomed Unilia friend, Sophie Nyasulu a Malawian from the U.S. who visited to learn more about Unilia.  It is hoped that she and her husband Frazier, a chemistry professor, will become more involved with the university.

En route to the U.S., the Kirks connected with friends of Malawi in London in October.  They visited with Julie and Legson Kayira who still desire to return to Malawi.  They also spent an evening with the Watipaso and Francisca Mkandawire family.  Watipaso (son of Mujura Mkandawire and nephew of O.I. Mkandawire and Austin Mkandawire) made a connection for the Kirks with his Rotary Club of North Harrow were they were able to make a presentation about Livingstonia’s water project.

For the third year running, a team of 17 “angels” from the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education of Zambia came to Livingstonia.  The group comes to Livingstonia primarily to assist, but also to learn more about the place from which the early development of East Central Africa radiated.  The organization’s purpose is to train people to go out into the world and be a living testament of the Gospel.  The College of Education benefited from their work – very fortunate indeed.  The FCE group exhibit good Christian living at work.  The team this year was led by Jannie and Elise Compion and Mark and Alexa.  Their assistance is truly a blessing.

A partnership is developing between CCAP Synod of Livingstonia and Olympia Presbytery in Washington State, U.S.A. – a direct result of the visit of four ministers from Washington State, U.S.A. During their visit, the clergy turned their attention to the development of the University of Livingstonia and its 5 constituent colleges. 

Rev. Longfield presents Rev. Nkhoma the Olympia Presbytery symbol

following partnership discussions

Before they returned to the U.S., discussions were held with CCAP officials to clarify aspects of this partnership intended to focus on Unilia.  The Presbytery of Olympia is comprised of 50 churches; some are already involved in Malawian projects including the university.  This partnership, now in its final approval stages, will provide information to a large group of people and will encourage participation in a number of ways. 

The links which can be made between church members and groups who have expertise will be invaluable to all 5 colleges.

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 How Can You Help ?

The NEED List is Long. Here are some ideas:

²   $50 will provide a small study table and chair for College of Education students and visiting faculty.

²   30 desks and chairs for a classroom cost about $1,600.

²   Can you help us buy a new or good used Toyota Land Cruiser  for travel over rugged terrain?  A new one costs about $40,000; good used ones can be obtained for $25,000-30,000.

²   Can you donate 6 months to a year of your time to teach?  A master’s degree is preferred, but all are welcome.  This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a different culture and to make life-long friends.

²   Could you provide general support assistance to administrative staff?  Share your skills with Malawians who need training in administrative areas. Come and give a seminar on a particular topic, teach a module or tutor students.

²   Sponsor a student by contributing to the University of Livingstonia Foundation.  $2,000 per year will house, feed and educate one student studying to become a primary or secondary school teacher.  The need is great.

²   Sponsor a faculty or administrator.  Maybe you belong to a group who could assist.

²   Architectural drawings are needed for the College of Commerce student hostels.  Can you draw them?

²   Teaching and learning materials are always needed.

²   The College of Nursing and Midwifery needs help with their building projects – what can you do to assist?

²   The Technical College needs housing for 100 women students.  Can you organize a work team to help?

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