University Third Year Underway  August 2005 marked the beginning of the third year of operation for the University of Livingstonia and the 5 constituent colleges under the university umbrella.  The 2005-06 academic year holds plenty of promise for the ministers, teachers, technicians, nurses and business leaders who are being trained to meet the need for skilled, principled personnel in Malawi.  Well trained leaders are a must to move Malawi forward among the nations of the world.  The international community is embracing the fledgling university and its colleges in exciting ways.

University of Livingstonia Trustees Inaugurated by Synod CCAP Synod of Livingstonia moderator,

Reverend M.M. Banda, officially inaugurated members of the University of Livingstonia Board of Trustees at its first meeting held October 22, 2005 in the historic conference room of Stone House at Livingstonia.  Banda conducted a short ceremony blessing the board, the institution and the work that will be done to continue bringing to fruition the vision of Dr. Robert Laws to establish the University of Livingstonia.  Reverend H. Matiya Nkhoma, Synod general secretary, confirmed the Synod’s desire to move forward with the development of the university and its 5 constituent colleges.

The board elected Professor J. David Rubadiri chairman.  Rubadiri, life-long educationalist and recently retired vice chancellor of the University of Malawi, brings vast experience in higher education to this post.  Mr. Jake Muwamba, who served as chair of the commission that worked to establish the university, was elected vice chairman, and will continue to serve as chairman of the fund-raising committee.  Reverend Henry Mvula, head of Ekwendeni Mission Station, was elected board secretary.

  Prof. David Rubadiri                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Mr. Jake Muwamba

Other members of the board include:  Mr. John R. Banda; Reverend M. M. Banda (Synod education secretary);

Mrs. Lynn E. Chibaka; Professor Z. David Kadzamira  (vice chancellor, University of Malawi); Reverend Maurice C. E. Munthali; Professor Peter Mwanza (vice chancellor, Mzuzu University); Reverend H. Matiya Nkhoma; Very Reverend

Dr. Silas M. Nyirenda; Professor John D. K. Saka (University of Malawi); and Professor Mupa E. Shumba (Mzuzu University).  Ex-Officio Members include:  Dr. Henry P. Kirk (vice chancellor); Mrs. Jenny Sheldon Kirk (director, university relations); and Dr. Augustine W. C. Msiska (university librarian).

Reverend Binnie Mwakasungula Appointed Registrar  Reverend Mwakasungula, who recently returned from earning a masters degree from Union College of Queens University in Belfast, Ireland, has been appointed registrar for the University of Livingstonia.  Binnie steps in as John Banda takes leave after 3 years of distinguished service as coordinator for the university commission and registrar for Unilia.  Reverend Mwakasungula’s appointment was approved by the Synod of Livingstonia and the university to continue the close relationship between the two.

  Rev. Binnie Mwakasungula                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           John Banda

Vice chancellor Kirk commented, “this is a unique opportunity for an ordained minister to serve in university administrative post The university will benefit from having a pastor on staff.  We are confident that Binnie will do an outstanding job.”

Unilia Foundation Provides Grants to Constituent Colleges  The University of Livingstonia Foundation, the  US-based non-profit, has awarded the third MK 100,000 (approximately $1,000 US) to each constituent college.  According to Jenny Sheldon Kirk, foundation president, “these grants, in some small way, will enable the colleges to better serve their students and staff.  The foundation is pleased to promote growth of the university and all of its colleges.”  This time the grants will be used for students desks and chairs, bricks to build a tutor’s house, and other ways that directly benefit students.  In addition to these grants, the College of Nursing received $700 for the greatest need – a gift from friends at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

News from Constituent Colleges

Technical College Lays Cornerstone for Library  Livingstonia Technical College principal, Peter Njunga, proudly points out the corner stone for the new library that will be built in 2006 with funds from the European Union. 

A very small library has served the college for years, but a larger facility is needed for student study and research.  This will be a wonderful addition to the Technical College campus at Livingstonia.

Visiting Professor and Administrator from the United States  Two volunteer educators from Washington State, USA are serving at Livingstonia during the 2005-06 academic year. 

Dr. Vernon Elgin, long-time pastor and college instructor, is teaching Bible Knowledge at the College of Education.  At 78, Vern shares with students his remarkable energy as well as plenty of experience in his subject.  He received his PhD at New College, University of Edinburgh and has taught at colleges in several countries.  College of Education students have fun knowing this avant-garde instructor.

Dr. Glen Nutter, former superintendent of schools in Yelm, Washington, is serving as assistant to the vice chancellor and lecturer at Livingstonia.  Glen is supervising several building projects and curriculum development.  He has taught at universities in the USA, Kenya and Eastern Europe giving students and faculty a broad perspective in higher education.

College of Nursing Plans Growth  Flemings Nkhandwe, principal, dedicated a beautiful new student hostel for the college.  Funded by a gender equity grant from the Edinburgh Medical Missionary Society and Norwegian Church Aid, this facility will house male students training to be nurses.  They will join 60 female students already enrolled.  The staff is also studying the possibility of upgrading the status of the college to grant diplomas and degrees in nursing having reopened classes in midwifery.

Faculty Appointments  Four full-time resident instructors have joined the College of Education staff as resident faculty at Livingstonia.  Enwood Chirambo comes to the college with extensive experience, while Ron Sichali is a relatively new lecturer.  Joyce and Moses Mlenga were an answer to prayer when the college needed to hire 2 more faculty in certain disciplines and only had one house for accommodation.  What better answer than to hire a couple – and they both had the qualifications for teaching the subjects needed!  God is so GOOD!  Principal Eliezer Kalumbi welcomes his new staff members along with the return of Gift Dube.  He now has productive team meetings where plans are discussed and implementation begins.

                 Enwood Chirambo      Gift Dube         Joyce Mlenga      Moses Mlenga        Ron Sichali                     Principal, Eliezer Kalumbi

Livingstonia Theological College Graduates First Class  October 14, 2005 marked the end of 3 years of training for 25 young men who received their Licentiate in Theology at the Ekwendeni campus to begin their careers in the Christian ministry.  This landmark commencement culminated a true walk of faith for both the Synod of Livingstonia (which initiated the theological college without external assistance) and the ministerial students (who began classes with bare bones facilities and amenities).  Reverend Dr. Mwakanandi, principal, was very proud of their accomplishment and thanked particularly Reverend Chunga, chair of the Theological College board, and Reverend Debbie Chase, dean of academic affairs for their unending support throughout the last 3 years.

The joyous celebration included a ceremonial washing of graduate feet by senior pastors from the Synod.  Reverend M.M. Banda, Synod moderator, underscored in his sermon that they are entering a life of service.  Both ministers and their wives (who were given certificates for completion of minister wife courses) were fêted and received gifts from sister churches from Ireland and the United States as they begin their journey together.

 Thirty new ministerial students will begin classes in January 2006 and will find campus life much improved. They will enjoy a new student hostel funded by friends from Scotland that was recently dedicated at Ekwendeni.  A parish in Scotland has also donated a borehole that will supply fresh water for the campus.

College of Commerce Mourns Loss of Principal  On November 9, 2005, College of Commerce colleagues, Synod officials, and the greater Synod community said farewell to long-time administrator and friend, Mr. P.J. Khonje.  Mr. Khonje will be sorely missed and is praised for his many years of service running the College of Commerce.  Many Malawians working in business occupations passed through the doors of the college and received excellent instruction in many business courses.  The University of Livingstonia adds its condolences to the Khonje family.

Malawi News

Reserve Bank of Malawi Provides Books for Unilia  Dr. Augustine Msiska, university librarian, received on behalf of Unilia, a $3,200 grant to purchase text and reference books primarily for the College of Education.  Expressing his appreciation, he remarked, “As a young university, we are building our library and have a great need for texts and reference works to compliment the instructional program.”  This is the second such grant received in 2 years.

Dossani Trust of Malawi Supports Students  The University of Livingstonia, College of Education, was able to grow and welcome a new class of students as a result of a MK 3,000,000 (about $30,000) grant from the Dossani Trust located in Blantyre.  Trustee Dino Raval presented a check to Jake Muwamba, chair of the Unilia fund-raising committee, who credits Dossani Trust with “helping the nation of Malawi develop a viable system of public and private higher education.”  The Dossani grant provided needed accommodations for students and funded a curriculum review workshop requested by the Ministry of Education.  This grant was the third of its kind given to the college.

Press Trust Funds Staff Housing for College of Education  Three new houses will be built for the College of Education thanks to a grant of 11.5 million kwacha (approximately $92,000 US) from Press Trust, a Malawi foundation.  Professor Peter Mwanza (vice chancellor of Mzuzu University), Press Trust board member, and Clement Chiligulo, executive secretary, presented a large symbolic check to vice chancellor Henry Kirk who commented, “To attract and retain top quality university faculty and staff, we need to provide good housing.  This grant from Press Trust will help us do just that.”  Professor David Rubadiri, chair of the University of Livingstonia Board of Trustees and Reverend H. Matiya Nkhoma, general secretary of the Synod of Livingstonia commended Press Trust for it continuing support of the development of higher education in Malawi.

National Bank of Malawi and Dickler Family Foundation Provide Library Extension  In 2004, National Bank of Malawi presented MK 1,000,000 to the College of Education to begin a library fund.  The college received permission from bank officials to use this contribution to double the size of the existing small library for use by the growing student body.  Construction began in June 2005 and is nearly completed.  A $10,000 grant has been approved by the Dickler Family Foundation to complete the interior and to provide furnishings.

Support from Friends in Malawi  Many churches, organization, businesses and individuals in Malawi are choosing to support the University of Livingstonia according to Jenny Sheldon Kirk, director of university relations.  For instance, Honorable Bazuka Mhango, member of parliament recently contributed MK 50,000 toward university endowment, his second such gift in 2 years.  Sunbake-Bakers Delight, a bakery in Mzuzu, added MK 20,000 to the available funds raised by Jake Muwamba, fund-raising chairman.

Volunteers and Guests from United States, Ireland and Scotland Welcomed  Carol Johnstone and her grandson, Rob Jacobsen, were welcomed to Livingstonia for volunteer service the months of September and October 2005.  Carol, a former postal carrier, is an active Malawi Support Team member at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis, Washington, USA.  She has helped ship packages to Malawi and helped pack a container for the Synod of Livingstonia.

                 Carol & Rob at Livingstonia Celebrations

During her time in Malawi, Carol assisted the Kirks with daily work for the university, and participated in the distribution of many supplies for the College of Education and the Women’s Guild and nursery school children at Livingstonia.  Rob, at age 25, related well to College of Education students and helped organize an anti-litter campaign for the Livingstonia community.

Other guests of the university included Marlene and Ken Nelson from Northern Ireland.  They arrived in time to participate in the 100 Years of Innovation celebrations and brought with them several gifts.  Livingstonia Technical College football (soccer) team has a complete uniform kit donated by an Irish football association.  The team is ready for action!  The Nelsons also helped provide New Testament commentaries for each graduate from Livingstonia Theological College.  These were presented along with 2 Bibles – one in English and one in Tumbuka – to each ministerial couple.  Ken, is preparing for the ministry at Union Theological College in Belfast, and preached at Livingstonia.  Marlene continues work to support women in Malawi.                                                                                                    SCORE!

Liz Hamilton from Prestwick, Scotland arrived at Livingstonia for a 7 week stay.  She helped sort and distribute many items from the container that arrived at Livingstonia last May.  At home Liz runs a bed and breakfast business; she used her talents to help decorate University House, the residence for visiting faculty and to begin plans for a café, tuck shop and craft shop for the Livingstonia community.

Liz Hamilton joined morning devotions at the College of Education

Friends from Ireland, Norway and United States Help Provide Computer Center  The College of Education is looking forward to having its own computer center for students, faculty and staff thanks to the generosity of international friends.  High Kirk Church in Northern Ireland asked College of Education officials if the college could use 20 refurbished computers along with all of the equipment necessary to set up a small internal network to connect computers to each other and to printers.  The answer was a resounding “Yes”!  They are being shipped by container later this year.  Meanwhile, a couple, Brian Piercey and Karin Redvin, from Norway will arrive summer 2006 to teach at year at the college and to help facilitate the computer center.  A portion of the USA-based Dickler Family Foundation grant will be used to prepare the facility for the computer center.  Exciting news – you bet!

Republic of Germany Refurbishes Classroom Block  The Kirks met with Albert Gisy, Ambassador to Malawi, and Carolin Pohlman, assistant, at the German Embassy in Lilongwe to express appreciation and to present an accounting of the newly refurbished classroom block now used by the College of Education at Livingstonia.  Photographs told the story showing how the block has been turned into 3 large classrooms, 4 faculty offices and a faculty conference area.  The renovated classrooms and offices have been equipped with 100 student desks and chairs plus faculty desks and other essentials.  A $10,000 grant from the Republic of Germany made this possible.  “We are most grateful for these facilities which enhance our learning and teaching environment,” commented college principal, Eliezer Kalumbi.  Ambassador Gisy has invited the College of Education to submit a subsequent grant proposal for consideration in 2006.

Kirks Connect with Friends of Malawi in London  En route to the US from Malawi, Jenny and Henry Kirk stopped again in London to visit with and contact those interested in the development of the university.  The Kirks find the Foreign Missions Club, founded in 1893, the perfect place to conduct business while in London.  They spent an afternoon with Julie and Legson Kayira and discussed their eventual trip to Malawi – Legson gained notoriety as a young man for walking almost the length of Africa seeking an education in the United States (which he received at Skagit Valley College and then the University of Washington followed by post-graduate studies at Cambridge in England).  Now retired from service with the British government and after 40 years of absence from his home, Legson is anxious to return and to take Julie to see his homeland.  The university will welcome Legson as adjunct faculty.

Author and long-time supporter of Malawi, Colin Baker, also spent time with the Kirks and generously presented 8 copies of his books for use by the University of Livingstonia.  These inscribed volumes will be a treasured addition to the university library.  The Kirks gained perspective through their discussions with Baker who has invited them to submit an article for publication in the Society of Malawi Journal, a scholarly publication distributed to and read by international friends of Malawi.

Henry Kirk wasted no time connecting with others interested in the university’s progress – he spoke with Reverend Russell Birney, Bobby Black and Brian Adams of High Kirk Church in Northern Ireland, Marlene and Ken Nelson near Belfast, Dr. Duncan MacNair from Gloucester (a long-time donor and friend of Livingstonia), Janet Wagner Parsons (who hosted the Kirks in her home near Cambridge last year), David Stuart-Mogg (another friend of Malawi),

Chris Renwick (secretary for the Friends of Malawi Association), and Reverend Arthur and Mrs. Grace Christie of Prestwick, Scotland (who hosted Reverend Matiya and Mrs. Mariya Nkhoma for 6 months earlier this year during their faith share journey in Scotland).

Students Receive Scholarships  The University of Livingstonia Foundation has awarded over MK 1.4 million (about $14,000) to deserving students at the College of Education for the 2005-06 academic year.  Awards are based on need and merit and are not guaranteed from one year to the next.  Several sponsors have taken advantage of donating their contribution to the cost of educating their student through the foundation.  This gives them the income tax deduction and gives the student assurance that funds designated for their assistance will reach the university in a timely fashion.  Many are participating – A nurse, Cindy Hill helps 1 young man; Dr. Louise Rogers supports 3 students; Ms Ole Nelson, a former peace corps volunteer, supports 1; 2 brothers are assisted by Kathy Hensley who knows their mother well; and 3 others are assisted by gifts from members of the Chehalis/Centralia communities.

The Soko Fund located in Scotland is providing assistance for 3 young College of Education women and will soon be the agency to receive money to be given as a scholarship in honor of the Alexander Family’s father who was head of station at Livingstonia many years ago.  Students receiving assistance are extremely grateful as they have no other hope of paying their contribution to the cost of their education.

Helpful Hands from Foundation for Crosscultural Education  Angels from Zambia arrived in the nick of time before the opening of the College of Education in August this year.  Led by Jannie and Elise Compion, two teams of 17 women and men from all over Africa spent 2 weeks each at the plateau camping out at University House.  They were there as part of their evangelical outreach training to assist where needed.  FCE takes a holistic approach similar to that of the Synod of Livingstonia to spreading the gospel.  The students helped prepare the hostels, classrooms, library, dining hall and other facilities for the opening of the first term.  We could not have opened successfully without their assistance.

Students from the College of Education learned from their counterparts to appreciate the surroundings and to work together for the common good.  Students from both groups enjoyed learning about each other’s culture, exchanging ideas, and studying the Bible together.   We prayed for an army to assist, God sent us FCE friends.  It is hoped that we will continue to strengthen the relationship with our sisters and brothers in Christ and assist them as they train to become ministers of the word.

Renovation Projects Near Completion  As visitors to the plateau 2+ years ago, Henry and Jenny viewed rundown facilities and a community that had been neglected for years without hope for revival.  Once it was decided to headquarter the University of Livingstonia there and to establish the College of Education at the plateau, the Kirks and the community began to see a light on the horizon that has brightened significantly over the months.  Major construction and restoration work, funded primarily by gifts through the University of Livingstonia Foundation, has begun to revitalize a languishing community.  Roxburgh Hall still serves as the dining hall for over 100 students now; one building received a good facelift and is now used as the library; three structures have been converted into residences for young women (Mabutu), young men (Mzembe House), and visiting faculty (University House).  Not all is perfect by any means, but these inhabitable structures are now in acceptable condition.

Two of the historic Terrace Houses have been refurbished as homes for librarian Dr. Augustine and Mrs. Ninas Msiska and Mr. Moses and Mrs. Joyce Mlenga, two resident faculty.  An uncompleted church hall, now known as Overtoun Hall, has been completed at considerable expense (thanks to grants from Westview Presbyterian Church in Colorado, USA and the Unilia Foundation) and now is home to about 50 male students.  More work is needed for finishing touches and amenities beyond basic needs, but we are pleased with the progress.  And, this work coupled with that of the Norwegian government in restoring antiquities is encouraging other refurbishment projects.  You should see the row of small staff houses lined up for the primary school that have been painted – they’re lovely.

There’s always room for improvement.  Maintenance is a significant factor for which we are trying to build a reserve so that, as need arises, we can take care of the need without having to wait for funds to become available.

His Excellency Bingu wa Mutharika President of the Republic of Malawi visits Livingstonia during the Celebration of 100 years of Innovation held October 21-23, 2005  The spotlight was on the Livingstonia community celebrating its long history of contributions to the development of Malawi.  President Mutharika arrived with his entourage the morning of the 23^rd following 2 days of local celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the famous access road with its 20 hairpin turns called Gorodi, the first piped water scheme in East Central Africa and the first electric system in the nation. 

The community spent weeks preparing and dressed itself in celebration cloth for the president’s visit.  Mutharika helicoptered in, spent time visiting patients at David Gordon Memorial Hospital and viewing pavilions displaying the work of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Synod of Livingstonia departments.  The President expressed gratitude to the Synod for its continuing efforts on behalf of the people of Malawi – he also noted affectionately “My dear university students” who were standing on the sidelines waving a Unilia banner welcoming him.  Dr. Jack Thompson, Professor at New College, Edinburgh University, gave the keynote address.  President Mutharika received several gifts, among them a University of Livingstonia lapel pin.

Norwegian Ambassador and Mrs. Gunnar Føreland Visit Livingstonia  The Norwegian government in partnership with the government of Malawi has completed several restoration projects of antiquities at Livingstonia.  Ambassador and Mrs. Føreland viewed the work on October 21, 2005 during the Synod’s celebration of 100 years of Innovation at Livingstonia.  The renovation of the first home of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Laws including the Women’s Centre was one building on their list.  Women students and the matron of the College of Education will again occupy the home beginning in January 2006.  The Women’s Centre will be used as a study hall once it has been furnished.  Ambassador Føreland announced during his visit that the Norwegian government will continue working with the Malawian government on restoration projects including the main administration building at Livingstonia where the university headquarters is located.

European Union Grants Funds for Restoration Work  As the Kirks were leaving Malawi, an article appeared in the local paper listing grants approved by the EU – there on the list was the University of Livingstonia for restoration work!  The information was so new that the local EU representative had not received confirmation of the amount approved.  Does this mean that we will be able to refurbish the remaining 2 Terrace Houses for faculty housing?  Will we be able to go ahead with the restoration of the large duplex home that reminds us of a Hawaiian plantation home with its steep pitched roof and wrap around veranda?  Can we completely redo the small house that is intended for the matron? 

How You Can Help

The NEED List is Long  Want to help?  Here are some ideas:

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

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

²   Can you donate 6 months to a year of your time to teach?  A masters degree is preferred.  The College of Education needs people who can teach advanced levels of math, geography, biology and chemistry.  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 typing, planning, accounting and other administrative areas.

²   Give the gift of a lifetime and sponsor a student by contributing to the University of Livingstonia Foundation.  $2,000 per year will house, feed and educate one young woman or man studying to become a primary or secondary school teacher.  Unrestricted dollars are shared among several students.  The need is great.

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

Let’s see what God and you can do!  For further information or inquiries, call Henry or Jenny Kirk at (360) 748-8761 or

e-mail them at ulivingstonia@localaccess.com.  We will be glad to get you started.