On Friday 7 February, the first class of thirteen African students, from Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, who participated in the MTh Ministry Studies programme hosted by the Centre for Ministry Studies at Aberdeen University, graduated in Zomba.
It was a very colourful and joyful occasion, with much singing and dancing, that was attended by Rev Prof Andrew Clarke and Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey who conferred the degrees upon the students.
This is the first occasion that a Scottish University has facilitated a postgraduate programme for church leaders in Africa. The Draft Agreement, that created the collaborative partnership between Aberdeen University and Zomba Theological College, was signed in 2016, while the first class ran from 2017-2019.
A second cohort of fifteen students from Malawi and Zambia, including four women, started the programme in October 2019. They have attended their second course, on Christian Leadership, during this week which was taught by Rev Prof Andrew Clarke and Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey.
Dr Jeffrey, coordinator of the MTh Ministry Studies programme in Aberdeen and Zomba enthused, ‘This has been a remarkable day. It is very difficult to describe the feelings I experienced when we conferred these degrees upon our students. Suffice to say, it was one of the happiest days of my life.’
Afterwards, one of the students, Rev Helmart Kaliza wrote, ‘I write to express my gratitude following the most colourful event my life has never experienced before. Your participation in building my future is greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. As I always say, you were used by the Lord to prepare me for the greater ministry. I am here because of your passion for the ministry and hardworking spirit. May the good Lord continue using you to shape us for effective ministry in Malawi and beyond.’