Description:

Theological education in Southern Africa has a rich history stretching back to 1915. What is now called the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) in Eswatini is the oldest ministerial college of the Church of the Nazarene in mainland Africa. From the beginning, it provided ministerial preparation for a diverse community, which attracted various denominations and international students from Mozambique, the Republic of South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya. For the past 89 years, it has occupied its present location, providing education and training to men and women for service to God and to the people of the Kingdom.

On campus gathering of students at the Siteki School of Theology at SANU with qualified professors and other students is a formula for lifelong mentoring, peer mentoring, and the development of a community of congregational leaders who know and support the work of the local church. Bringing the gospel to the people is not for the faint of heart. It takes a community of leaders for the work of the great commission to be dynamically supported.

However, it has become increasingly challenging for students to complete their degrees. While enrollment has steadily increased, graduation rates remain the same because students who enroll do not have the financial resources to continue their program to completion. Theology students are not eligible for government stipends, making it difficult for students to finance their tuition, fees, and their travel to and from the campus while working at jobs to support their studies, families, and churches. As a result, the Siteki School of Theology finds itself in need of major assistance in order to meet the changing needs.

This project will support partial scholarships for 16 individuals per year to encourage and enable qualified, called men and women to obtain financial support to prepare themselves for service to Christ and the Church. While the student will still be responsible for a portion of their educational costs, this scholarship is designed to cover approximately 70% of the costs, significantly relieving the financial pressure. Students may reapply annually.

Add your gift today to help students called by God to prepare to share the gospel of hope across the continent of Africa and around the world!