A Dream Realized: Africa Wesleyan University College
With nearly 500 churches, 25,000 church members, 25 schools, one hospital and three health centers – the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia has seen incredible growth over the years.
The growth continues with Africa Wesleyan University College (AWUC), a university that will make history as the first Wesleyan university outside of North America. And it’s a dream that’s been pursued for decades.
Dr. Alfred Kalembo, the former National Superintendent/former Bishop of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia, said that when he became the National Superintendent in 1992, he evaluated where they were and what they needed going forward. It became clear to him that while primary and secondary schools were a great foundation, they needed to be involved in higher education if they wanted to produce leaders for the marketplace.
“It became very clear to all of us that this is what we needed … not only in Zambia, but for the continent really, because there is no (Wesleyan) higher education apart from Bible colleges, and I think the church must influence the nation in the marketplace,” Alfred explained.
Though he began to “ring the bell” early on, it was in 2012 when he was introduced to Dr. Henry Smith, Indiana Wesleyan University president emeritus, as someone who might be able to give some input and ideas into bringing the dream to fruition.
Their partnership has proved to be a successful one, with Henry accepting the offer to serve as principal elect for the university, and Alfred as the vice principal for advancement. Bishop Juden Siachitema, National Superintendent/Bishop of the Pilgrim Wesleyan Church of Zambia, has made AWUC a priority during his leadership as well, giving much attention and excitement toward the project.
Bishop Juden shared:
“One of my greatest senses of fulfillment as bishop has been in providing policy direction and fostering an environment that enabled the establishment of both the Zimba Mission College of Nursing and Africa Wesleyan University College. This has been accomplished despite the significant challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the worst droughts our country has ever experienced. Through it all, we have remained steadfast in our mission, ensuring continued growth for both the church and these institutions.”
Zambians have already rallied around the future university with much excitement. Stephanie Kakungu, director of communication for AWUC, said they surveyed the youth at the recent National Youth Conference in Choma, and individuals at the Mission Hospital and Nursing School. The consensus is that everyone is very open to a Wesleyan university being in Zambia, and with it comes a sense of ownership and empowerment.
Since the groundbreaking on the 35-acre-campus took place in May 2023, two buildings have been nearly completed, and a third foundation is being poured. The university plans to begin with four programs, including theology, primary and secondary education and nursing. Programs for agriculture and business won’t be far behind.
The academic programs at the university will build on what’s provided through the established three-year Pilgrim Wesleyan Bible College and the three-year Zimba Mission College of Nursing, by offering baccalaureate degrees for the first time.
The next steps in the process of opening AWUC include submitting the application for accreditation once the second building is complete, and continuing to raise financial support.
So far, people have donated more than three million dollars to the university, universities and churches have donated supplies, and churches in the U.S. are directly partnering with Zambian churches to supply future students with work-study scholarships. The hope is to build even more partnerships between churches and raise additional funds.
“Truly, we have been building on the great work of the missionaries and Zambia and we really appreciate their faith. They risked their lives to come to our country and helped us build schools in the rural areas, and that helped a lot of young people get to know God and receive education,” Alfred explained.
With all of the churches, schools and government approval that have resulted and grown from that great work, the university already has connections and relationships that will significantly help them as they move forward.
If you are interested in hearing more about AWUC, the vision of the university and how you can help be a part of it, Henry has been traveling to churches to share more. Additionally, we encourage you to visit africawesleyanuniversity.edu.zm.