The qualification of specialists in our member churches is the focus of the UEM scholarship program. After the needs of the members have been identified, candidates are specifically selected in order to contribute to the further development of our member churches with a degree and higher qualifications.

Not only in the field of theology, but also in other fields, qualified employees are urgently needed. Accordingly, last year's support was distributed as follows among the various subject areas: UEM was able to support a total of 71 students with a scholarship in 2020, 32 of whom were women and 39 men.

Equal opportunities

In order to ensure a balanced gender ratio in the scholarship program, women and younger candidates are given preference in the award of scholarships. In addition, when selecting candidates, special attention is given to the purpose of the program and the future position of the scholarship holders in their member churches.

Inclusion

The promotion of people with special abilities is close to our heart. Often it is people with increased need for support who, with a scholarship from UEM, acquire a higher qualification to work later as teachers or lecturers in church institutions for people with disabilities.

Intercultural academic network

As a communion of churches in three continents, we promote interregional student exchange. For example, the study group of theology students in Dumaguete, Philippines, offers an intercultural exchange of theological approaches. Students in the fields of medicine, agricultural sciences and church music also benefit from the exchange of experience and knowledge from other cultures.

Multiplier effect

After completing their studies, the fully trained specialists work in their own churches as lecturers at various universities, as church musicians, as educational specialists in schools or as medical specialists in clinics and hospitals as well as in the administrative sector. As multipliers, the alumni contribute to the sustainable development of the member churches and open their eyes to an intercultural understanding of mission.

Last year, 25 students successfully completed their studies with a scholarship from UEM.

Dr. Vicky Sasapu (CBCA) completed an additional medical qualification as an ENT physician at the Centre National Hospitalier in Cotonou (Benin) from 2013 to 2018 and now heads the ENT department of the ecclesiastical Virunga Clinic in Goma, Eastern Congo.

Oinike Harefa completed a Master's degree in Mission Theology at Silliman University in Dumaguete (Philippines) from 2016 to 2018. Today she works in the ecumenical department of her church (BNKP) on Nias.