MALAWI, AFRICA
A Brief History of The University of Livingstonia
A Brief History of The University of Livingstonia
The Synod of Livingstonia, under the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), has experienced rapid expansion since the establishment of Livingstonia Mission by Dr. Robert Laws in 1875. The station was founded in honor of Dr. David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary, educator and physician who opened up Africa by exposing slave trade and imploring others to bring Christianity, commerce and civilization to this undeveloped land.
During his 52 years in Malawi, Dr. Laws built on the Khondowe plateau overlooking Lake Malawi an “institution” known in his era as the “greatest achievement” in Central Africa. Facilities including a church, schools, hospitals, houses, post office, native store, and workshops were constructed.
With Laws’ vision and leadership, Livingstonia Mission offered educational facilities unparalleled elsewhere in East and Central Africa. Schools catered to students from Livingstonia Mission, the Dutch Reformed Church Mission, and from as far a field as Zambia and Tanzania.
Dr. Laws felt education through university level was essential to develop a self-sufficient Malawian population with high moral and ethical values. Leaders were needed for the country. Higher education began at Livingstonia in 1895 consisting of teacher and ministerial preparation classes. In the 1920s, a Christian College at Livingstonia helped to train leaders for the future. Unfortunately, Dr. Law’s retirement in 1927 brought a more conservative view, and establishing Livingstonia University was not seen as a priority at that time..
From Livingstonia Mission, more than 500 primary schools and five large secondary schools have been established in Northern Malawi. Working with the government, the CCAP currently responds to approximately 40% of the educational needs of the country. The Synod of Livingstonia is highly respected for its achievements in education and commitment to advancing Malawi.
Widespread interest motivated Synod officials to formally launch the University of Livingstonia using a decentralized education model. Five constituent colleges at two locations now serve over 500 students.
The university headquarters is located at Livingstonia along with Livingstonia Technical College and the College of Education which opened 27 August 2003. Ekwendeni houses three colleges including the College of Commerce, Ekwendeni College of Nursing and the Livingstonia Theological College.
The Synod believes that a church university founded on Christian values provides exceptional education for young people of Malawi. The university offers within the country continuity in education to qualified students who come from church or secular secondary schools. The institution will sustain spiritual, moral and social values important to the Malawian society and will boost the ability of Malawi to train leaders for future development of Malawi’s economic base.
During his 52 years in Malawi, Dr. Laws built on the Khondowe plateau overlooking Lake Malawi an “institution” known in his era as the “greatest achievement” in Central Africa. Facilities including a church, schools, hospitals, houses, post office, native store, and workshops were constructed.
With Laws’ vision and leadership, Livingstonia Mission offered educational facilities unparalleled elsewhere in East and Central Africa. Schools catered to students from Livingstonia Mission, the Dutch Reformed Church Mission, and from as far a field as Zambia and Tanzania.
Dr. Laws felt education through university level was essential to develop a self-sufficient Malawian population with high moral and ethical values. Leaders were needed for the country. Higher education began at Livingstonia in 1895 consisting of teacher and ministerial preparation classes. In the 1920s, a Christian College at Livingstonia helped to train leaders for the future. Unfortunately, Dr. Law’s retirement in 1927 brought a more conservative view, and establishing Livingstonia University was not seen as a priority at that time..
From Livingstonia Mission, more than 500 primary schools and five large secondary schools have been established in Northern Malawi. Working with the government, the CCAP currently responds to approximately 40% of the educational needs of the country. The Synod of Livingstonia is highly respected for its achievements in education and commitment to advancing Malawi.
Widespread interest motivated Synod officials to formally launch the University of Livingstonia using a decentralized education model. Five constituent colleges at two locations now serve over 500 students.
The university headquarters is located at Livingstonia along with Livingstonia Technical College and the College of Education which opened 27 August 2003. Ekwendeni houses three colleges including the College of Commerce, Ekwendeni College of Nursing and the Livingstonia Theological College.
The Synod believes that a church university founded on Christian values provides exceptional education for young people of Malawi. The university offers within the country continuity in education to qualified students who come from church or secular secondary schools. The institution will sustain spiritual, moral and social values important to the Malawian society and will boost the ability of Malawi to train leaders for future development of Malawi’s economic base.
Present
Mission Statement
The University of Livingstonia,
through excellence in teaching, research and learning environment,
shall educate and inspire students to become principled leaders
who will transform society for the glory of God.
Core Values
The following core values will provide the foundation for operation at the university:
Open Door Policy
The University of Livingstonia shall be open to all people who have the ability to benefit from its educational offerings. Enrollment will not be limited by region, creed, race, gender or disability.
Enhancement of Educational Opportunities
The University of Livingstonia is established to enhance higher education opportunities in Malawi, not to detract from existing educational institutions or those that may be developed in the future.
Standard of Excellence
The University of Liivingstonia will set a standard of excellence that will permeate the entire institution, its educational programs and infrastructure.
Student Success
Student success will be our number one priority. The success of our students will be the measure of our excellence.
Character Development
At this faith-based university curriculum and instruction will be geared toward the integration of faith and learning. Emphasis will be placed on educating both mind and heart of potential leaders who will be inspired to serve society for the improved future of Malawi.
University Environment
The University of Livingstonia will maintain an inviting and supportive learning environment conducive to maximum personal growth where respect for others is valued and practiced.
Stewardship and Development
The University of Livingstonia shall serve as a model of effective stewardship and will help Malawi achieve high standards of moral, social, economic and physical development.
Since 2000, the Synod has studied the feasibility of fulfilling the long ago vision of Dr. Laws. A 25 member commission meets under the leadership of former U. N. ambassador, Jake Muwamba (right) , to evaluate and guide the progress of the university. Mr. John Banda (far right), Project Coordinator, has been working to facilitate plans.
Reverend H. Matiya Nkhoma, General Secretary of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, is very enthused about the possibility of bringing to fruition the vision of Dr. Laws. “Malawians have carried this dream in their hearts for over 100 years. Dr. Laws believed that our people are worthy of higher education. Students of the University of Livingstonia will become leaders of a more prosperous tomorrow for Malawians.”
Dr. Henry P. Kirk and Mrs. Jenny Sheldon Kirk are serving as Vice Chancellor and Director of University Relations respectively. Dr. Kirk retired in June 2002 after 40 years in higher education, serving 16 years as president of Centralia College in Washington State, U.S.A. Mrs. Kirk’s experience includes over 25 years of education administration in public relations and fund-raising. “Education is a lifelong pursuit,” states Dr. Kirk. “The University of Livingstonia will provide an opportunity for access to advanced learning for many Malawians.”
The University of Livingstonia,
through excellence in teaching, research and learning environment,
shall educate and inspire students to become principled leaders
who will transform society for the glory of God.
Core Values
The following core values will provide the foundation for operation at the university:
Open Door Policy
The University of Livingstonia shall be open to all people who have the ability to benefit from its educational offerings. Enrollment will not be limited by region, creed, race, gender or disability.
Enhancement of Educational Opportunities
The University of Livingstonia is established to enhance higher education opportunities in Malawi, not to detract from existing educational institutions or those that may be developed in the future.
Standard of Excellence
The University of Liivingstonia will set a standard of excellence that will permeate the entire institution, its educational programs and infrastructure.
Student Success
Student success will be our number one priority. The success of our students will be the measure of our excellence.
Character Development
At this faith-based university curriculum and instruction will be geared toward the integration of faith and learning. Emphasis will be placed on educating both mind and heart of potential leaders who will be inspired to serve society for the improved future of Malawi.
University Environment
The University of Livingstonia will maintain an inviting and supportive learning environment conducive to maximum personal growth where respect for others is valued and practiced.
Stewardship and Development
The University of Livingstonia shall serve as a model of effective stewardship and will help Malawi achieve high standards of moral, social, economic and physical development.
Since 2000, the Synod has studied the feasibility of fulfilling the long ago vision of Dr. Laws. A 25 member commission meets under the leadership of former U. N. ambassador, Jake Muwamba (right) , to evaluate and guide the progress of the university. Mr. John Banda (far right), Project Coordinator, has been working to facilitate plans.
Reverend H. Matiya Nkhoma, General Secretary of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, is very enthused about the possibility of bringing to fruition the vision of Dr. Laws. “Malawians have carried this dream in their hearts for over 100 years. Dr. Laws believed that our people are worthy of higher education. Students of the University of Livingstonia will become leaders of a more prosperous tomorrow for Malawians.”
Dr. Henry P. Kirk and Mrs. Jenny Sheldon Kirk are serving as Vice Chancellor and Director of University Relations respectively. Dr. Kirk retired in June 2002 after 40 years in higher education, serving 16 years as president of Centralia College in Washington State, U.S.A. Mrs. Kirk’s experience includes over 25 years of education administration in public relations and fund-raising. “Education is a lifelong pursuit,” states Dr. Kirk. “The University of Livingstonia will provide an opportunity for access to advanced learning for many Malawians.”