Faculté Jean Calvin now offers courses to students in French-speaking Africa through a new partnership.
Responsive to the development of theological education in French-speaking Africa, FJC has long noted the many difficulties encountered by Africans wishing to to come to France to pursue training: obtaining a visa, the lack of financial resources, the impossibility of coming with the family for married students, and the need for certain courses to be adapted to the African context.
Professor Egbert Brink* was convinced that exporting FJC’s online program to French-speaking Africa could solve these problems. Former students of the Faculty of Evangelical Theology of Bangui have joined him in this approach. Now FJC has joined the project by signing a partnership with L’Institut Théologique Evangélique du Sénégal (ITES).
Contextualized Teaching
Going forward, FJC will make most of its undergraduate courses available to ITES. The ITES professors will contextualize them. The teaching of church history, pastoral and ethical questions, and knowledge of religions will focus on Africa. The teaching of dogmatics and biblical subjects will become more relevant as it focuses directly on the African context.
A Promising Start
The geographical position of Senegal, located between North Africa and the Sub-Saharan countries, is of significant importance. About fifteen students from French-speaking countries (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Congo, Senegal, Togo, Niger and Mali) are currently following FJC’s courses. In addition, thirty-three students from North Africa and Mauritania are following the à la carte modules.
This start is already promising! It’s hoped that not only will these courses be attended by pastors and students in training, but also by moderate Muslims from the closed areas of Central and North Africa.
May God allow this work to be a blessing for French-speaking Africa and the growth of its Christians.
*Egbert Brink is Associate Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Kampen/Utrecht, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Faculté John Calvin, and pastor.