by Callum Henderson
Local teachers equipped to teach CIMS modules
CIMS-LEMA Uganda
The training in Uganda, under the capable and enthusiastic leadership of Wejuli Fred of Life Edifying Ministries Africa (LEMA), continues to move forward. We are delighted to see progress in equipping the local teachers – it has always been our vision that CIMS would be taught by a combination of external input and local input and that vision is now a reality! Fred has a team of 4-5 local leaders who share the teaching and help him with the organisation.
To enable what would now be termed ‘blended learning’ (!!) to take place we have funded LEMA to buy a modem, camera and screen. This now allows us to add a third component of live teaching links to the two already working of notes and videos.
Phil in Scotland and Fred in Uganda testing the new equipment for the first time.
The February teaching in Busia was the first time this was implemented and, despite some learning points on how online teaching and discussion can work in the setting there, it was largely successful. Live online teaching took place each morning for 1-2 hours and then the rest of the day was led by the local team, with a feedback/discussion session online at the end of the day.
There is now only one module left for this first cohort of Ugandan students and it is exciting to see the finishing post for them in sight. The final training on gender, marriage and sex will be undertaken in May and the students who have earned enough module points will then graduate.
Fred and his team have already had an introductory meeting with prospective students for the next intake for the programme with an initial gathering of 137 leaders. Although this obviously stretches the budget a bit, it is hugely encouraging to see the hunger and desire for training. The first programme of teaching has obviously been well received. Much of the progress in Uganda is due also to the diligence of Phil Arbon and the way he has built the partnership with LEMA.
CIMS Burundi
For the first time, in February earlier this year, training took place in Ngozi, Burundi, without visiting teachers, using a combination of notes and preparation videos.
Gerard Rukerandanga, who oversees CIMS in Burundi writes:
“Really as you know it was our first time to conduct the training alone without being together with teachers who come from among of you.
It was a big challenge for me when you asked me if l can prepare to teach and do as CIMS in Uganda did. I agreed with doubt and fear but when l received thenotes and videos sent by you the fear disappeared!!!!
We started the training on 23-25 Feb 2021. The students, some came from here in Ngozi province and some from other provinces. We had a problem as oneattendee had a car accident coming to the training and broke his collar bone and some others could not attend. But we learnt well the MESSIANIC HOPE IN OLDTESTAMENT (FC-BO2).
The students were surprised to know and understand how Christ was mentioned in Old Testament books as Messiah and with different types and prophecies theyunderstood the word Christological way.
I emphasised the importance of learning at Bible school and they are now more interested in learning. It is my hope that they will put effort in reading the notesand doing well in the next assessments.
At last, l would like to tell you that we are still needing your prayers and encouragement.”
This was a great encouragement to see the progress and the way in which God encouraged and helped the team and students in Burundi.
If you would like to support the training of pastors in Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda please click the DONATE button at the top of the page and indicate that the gift is for CIMS in the message box or contact [email protected] for more information.