Six Graduations Across the Africa Region
Celebratory graduation ceremonies took place around the Africa Region in the countries of South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cabo Verde and Kenya between June and July 2022. In a joyful show of pomp and circumstance, these educational institutions were able to have their first in-person graduation ceremonies in two years. These graduations represent the Great Commission which implores Christians to “…go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).
On 11 June 2022, Nazarene Theological College (NTC) in South Africa held its 31st graduation with 69 graduates from three countries. This included 11 Bachelor of Theology (B.Th), 9 National Higher Certificates in Ministry and 49 individuals completed Ministerial Education and Training (MET).
Instead of having one big graduation ceremony, Africa Southeast Field decided to hold graduation ceremonies in each country of the field. The Principal of the Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa (NTCCA), Rev Lilema and the Dean of Students, Rev Phiri, travelled to the three countries to conduct graduations with each ceremony one week apart. This decision alleviated students need to travel and reduced expenses. In Zimbabwe, 32 people graduated. During the Malawi graduation 26 students graduated. In Zambia, 24 individuals graduated, and it was held at the Chilenje Church of the Nazarene. The Southeast Field had a total of 82 graduates.
In Cabo Verde on the Africa Lusophone Field, a graduation was held on 31 July with 15 graduates. The graduation included students from in-person classes, extension schools (ETEDs) and online classes (EAD).
At Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya, 750 diplomas, bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees were conferred at the 25th graduation by special guest, the Honourable Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome, the Chief Justice of Kenya.
These graduations are a testimony that the church in Africa will stand strong and the Gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to spread to all nations.
