11 Mar TECT: Training UB Leaders in Sierra Leone

Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries

The Evangelical College of Theology is an important part of our ministry in Sierra Leone. Many United Brethren leaders in Sierra Leone hold degrees from TECT (which was once known as Sierra Leoone Bible College). The United Brethren Church is one of four denominations that send students to TECT, which has over 350 students.

Global Ministries does not help underwrite the school itself, but we do try to support individual UB students through sponsorships. Currently, two United Brethren students attend TECT.

You may be interested in seeing this TECT-Report. The main campus in Jui, outside of Freetown, is growing and doing well. As the report shows, TECT has 99 students in the theology and Christian ministry programs, and 255 students in non-theology programs.

The student breakdown for the 2011-2012 year looks like this:

Theological Programs
Bachelor’s in Theology	49
Diploma in Theology	20
Diploma in Christian Ministry	30
Total	99
Non-Theology Programs
BA Adult Education	62
BA Community Development	130
BA Peace & Conflict	36
Dip. Community Development	19
Dip. Peace & Conflict	8
Total	255

TECT plans to expand its program to offer graduate studies in the city of Bo. Since Bo is central to United Brethren work in Sierra Leone, this would have a tremendous impact on our churches, pastors, and laypersons in that area.

Sierra Leone Conference is in the midst of renovating its headquarters building in Bo, a building which was severely damaged during the rebel war. One mission project focuses on the renovation. The plan is for TECT to use some of the building space, but this would require additional renovation. As TECT works toward launching this extension program, we would like to provide additional support.

Dan Ryan, TECT’s Director of Development and Communications, will attend our National Conference this summer and will be available to field your questions.