02.06.2014

Diaconic Management in Tanzania

Every student in the group seems happy, although exams are drawing near. Looking at the work of diaconia in yet another country is a privilege. After the sections in Bethel/Germany (August 2013), Stellenbosch/South Africa (September 2013) and Dumaguete/Philippines (January 2014) the fourth section of the MA Course “Diaconic Management” started at Sebastian Kolowa University College, Magamba/Tanzania, on May 5th. We, the students have various cultural and denominational backgrounds: We are Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, Reformed Christians, Baptists. They come from Indonesia, Cameroon, Congo DRC, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. For five weeks we live together, exchange our experiences from the different contexts of our countries, we share our faith through devotions and help each other in studies. We have various professional backgrounds such as theology, social work, economics, public health and law. All these professions enrich our discussions and argumentations. In this section we are living in the mountainous area of Usambara, Tanzania, at the Sebastian  Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU). The weather is a bit challenging, the rainy season providing fog, rains and low temperatures. However, lectures and field research are happening as scheduled. It is very interesting to be at this higher learning institution which is focused on diaconic science. The surrounding environment attracts visitors, especially with naturally conserved forests and the warm hospitality of the people. We enjoy life in harmony with nature. The university is environmental friendly, and that gives us, the students, the privilege to live with beautiful birds and other creatures. Right after our arrival, we started the section with field research, so that we may be able to intergrate theory and praxis. We focused on the diaconic institutions in the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. We visited Bumbuli Hospital, Irente Rainbow School for mentally challenged children, Irente School for the Blind, Irente Orphanage and special needs classes which are organized by the SEKOMU-students in the local communities. Our knowledge and feelings are enriched by getting to  know  these institutions. Here, we live in a church which is indeed salt to its society. It sides with the poor, the victims of injustice and the disabled people. In the lectures at SEKOMU we continue to concentrate on economics, leadership and management. Emphasis is this time given to research methods, because after this section we will start writing our master theses. Another focus is advocacy. The Bishop of our hosting church, Dr. Stephen Munga, gave a vivid lecture on the role of the churches in advocating for a just society. A whole day was dedicated to the theme of project management – a lecture delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Mzumbe University/Morogoro, Prof. Joseph Kuzilwa. Special highlights are encounters with prominent personalities from different spheres of the Tanzanian society: There will be a talk by Dr. Anneth Munga, Provost of SEKOMU, on Leadership between being Pious and/or Political.  On our last day at SEKOMU we will meet the former President of the Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Benjamin Mkapa. In SEKOMU, we learn about the different forms of injustice. It is our aim to acquire competences to help our churches in poverty eradication and strategic managerial skills. We learn deeply about the connections between theology, economics and leadership. The longer we study the more we recognize: In our diaconic work we must move out of the walls of our churches and think beyond the horizon. The empowerment we get will empower our churches. Rein Justin Gultom, Indonesia  (Pastor, Student of the MA Diaconic Management)