40 Livingstonia Technical College students completed their certificate level coursework this                    College of Education students celebrated year.  In the future, curriculum will be upgraded to include diploma and degree programs.                        as their first year came to an end.

University students, faculty and staff rejoiced at the conclusion of the first academic year of the 5 constituent colleges under the university umbrella.  Two of the colleges celebrated their first year of existence, while the other 3 reflected on their new status as part of the university.  Twenty-five young men enrolled at Livingstonia Theological College finished one year of their three year ministerial training while 40 women and men (“pioneers” as they call themselves!) are one year closer to their Bachelor of Education degree through Unilia’s College of Education.  Livingstonia Technical College (enrolling over 320 students) benefited in several ways from their institutional relationship with Centralia College in the United States.  The College of Nursing is planning to upgrade courses offered to the 52 students attending certificate programs.  Soon, between 70 and 80 students at the College of Commerce will benefit from curriculum development and other assistance made possible through university contacts.

University Leadership

Meet Mr. P.J. Khonje, Principal of the College of Commerce

For years, Mr. Khonje has served as principal of Unilia’s College of Commerce located on the Ekwendeni campus.  Students learn accounting, secretarial and office administration skills and are highly marketable as graduates.  Many short-term courses can be offered through the college to help working adults advance in their chosen field.  Curriculum development through the university will mean that students will be able to earn diplomas and degrees and will increase their leadership capabilities – an important contribution to the development of Malawi’s economy.

Mr. Flemmings Nkhandwe Provides Leadership for Unilia’s College of Nursing

Young and enthusiastic, Principal Nkhandwe has long-range plans to increase the College of Nursing’s course offerings to help meet the critical need for highly skilled nurses in Malawi.  Overcoming the challenges of inadequate equipment and teaching aids takes time, but he is confident that future offerings will continue the high quality of education currently available.  A visiting nurse from the United States confirmed that the College of Nursing does an excellent job with few resources.

Reverend Dr. D.S. Mwakanandi Heads Livingstonia Theological College

 CCAP Synod of Livingstonia was fortunate when Reverend Dr. Mwakamandi agreed to serve as principal of Livingstonia Theological College.  Formerly principal of Zomba Theological College, Mwakamandi brings years of experience training ministers.  In a bold move, the Synod began the college humbly in April 2003 without assistance from partner churches.  Synod presbyteries and congregations stepped forward with offerings of assistance – a true walk of faith for all concerned.

University of Livingstonia Foundation Distributes Grants to all 5 Constituent Colleges

It was indeed a pleasure for the foundation established in December, 2003 to provide each constituent college with a $1,000 grant.  Surprised principals quickly submitted proposals to complete a priority need.  The College of Education dining hall now has electricity and lighting, Livingstonia Technical College will refurbish their dining hall, and the College of Nursing will upgrade staff housing so they can attract and retain excellent personnel.  The College of Commerce plans to purchase long-carriage, manual typewriters so that when the electricity goes out, learning can continue.  And, Livingstonia Theological College will purchase bicycles so ministerial students can travel to churches to practice preaching and assist with pastoral duties.

Dumisani Banda and Zebra Computers Launch Unilia Website

In today’s world, a site on the worldwide web is a must.  It is an excellent tool for educating people far and near, and reduces significantly advertising, mailing, and phone call expenses.  Jim Wood and Mike Painter of Zebra Computers in Centralia, Washington got us up and running and are hosting our site, one half of the equation.  Fortunately, in Malawi, our path crossed with Dumisani Banda, a young Malawian with a degree from Harvard University in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.  He took all of our information and design suggestions and launched our website from the Mzuzu Public Library!  Check it out at http://www.ulivingstonia.org.                                   Dumisani Banda

Sheer determination and tenacity resulted in the opening of Unilia’s library at Livingstonia.  Librarian Dr. Augustine Msiska converted a tired, empty building into a small reference and study room for students and faculty.  He scoured the plateau for usable chairs, tables and book cases and made cosmetic repairs.  Mzuzu Rotary Club contributed encyclopedias and other reference materials, text books were donated from Centralia College and Unilia faculty members and others provided many titles to the collection.  Dr. Msiska is proud to say, “We’re starting with 750 volumes – that’s about 3 times as many as the University of Malawi had when it began.  He will work with all 5 constituent colleges on their libraries.

   Jubilant, Msiska shows off library

Tawonga Chomene (Thank You) to People and Organizations Making a Difference

Library Grant – Reserve Bank of Malawi pledged $2,000 towards the purchase of reference materials and text books.

Mabutu Room to Be Refurbished – Mr. John Banda and Mr. Eliezer Kalumbi have contributed portions of their salary to help ready the large open space of Mabutu for the next intake of female students.

Scholarship Assistance for College of Education Students – several generous donors, including the three Rotary Clubs from the Centralia/Chehalis of Washington State, USA, helped provide tuition assistance for students struggling to meet their obligations.  Because of the Dossani Trust fund, MK 2,000 was credited to each College of Education student to help pay their portion of the cost of educating them for the second semester. This assistance enabled students to concentrate on their studies.

How You Can Assist the University

Understandably, the University of Livingstonia has a multitude of priorities and needs.  For instance, each of the 5 constituent colleges needs resident faculty – either paid Malawian staff or volunteer missionary staff.  Retired instructors or business professionals with a Bachelors or Masters Degree are welcome to teach for a semester or more in Malawi, “The Warm Heart of Africa.”  Consider sharing your knowledge and expertise with students who recognize university education as privilege and are eager to learn.  You will never forget this life-changing experience. 

Perhaps you would like to fund a teaching position for a month, a semester or a year.  Or, maybe you would contribute to the cost of educating a student for a year.  The cost of housing, feeding and educating a College of Education student is about $2,000 per year.  They are responsible for about half, the remainder is provided by donors and grants.

How about helping the University provide adequate housing for faculty, staff or students?  We need everything from mattresses to teaching materials.  Food for students and fuel for transportation are very costly items in any budget.  Perhaps you would like to fill up a student or a gas tank!  Any contribution you make will be gratefully received.

Contributions may be made by mailing a check made out to the University of Livingstonia Foundation to:   University of Livingstonia Foundation, 555 NE Jefferson Avenue, Chehalis, WA  98532.

Africa Contact:  Synod of Livingstonia    P. O. Box 112  Mzuzu, Malawi, Africa    unilia@malawi.net

United States Contact:  Henry and Jenny Kirk   Chehalis, Washington   ulivingstonia@localaccess.com

Visit the University’s website at:  http://www.ulivingstonia.org