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St Barnabas’
Christian Training Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
HISTORY
Bishop John Jumaa of the Diocese of Zanzibar and Tanga founded St
Barnabas’ Christian Training Centre in 1972, in partnership with Bishop
John Burt of the Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio, USA. It was primarily used
as a Centre for Seminars, Workshops and Retreats. In 1979, ten students
were selected to undergo the first one year course for evangelists and
catechists. By 2001 the course had developed, and Archbishop Donald
Mtetamela formally inaugurated St Barnabas’ as the Diocesan Christian
Training Centre. Since then there as been ongoing development of course
curricula and other training services. There has been a succession of
diocesan clergy in the role of Principal, beginning with Revd Aidan
Mbulinyingi. The current Principal (since January 2005) is Revd Emmanuel
Mnkai.
LOCATION
The Centre is
located within the Diocesan Headquarters compound at Korogwe, in the
District of Tanga. It has a tropical climate, just 100 km inland from
the Indian Ocean, 200 feet above sea level.
STAFF
The teaching
staff come from the ordained clergy within the Diocese of Tanga, mostly
holding a Diploma of Theology from St Mark’s Theological College, Dar es
Salaam. Currently there are two full time Tanzanian clergy and a CMS
Australia Missionary on staff at St Barnabas’.
STUDENTS
Most students
are selected by their parishes or the Bishop to undertake the three term
(one year) course. Most have completed primary school education, while
some have obtained Form Four secondary education. The Courses are
conducted in Swahili. Students are required to pay a tuition and
boarding fee. This may come from donor sponsorship or parish support, or
an individual student may be self-supporting. After completing the St
Barnabas Course, it is expected that students will return to their
parish and village churches, to work in partnership with their ordained
clergy. Many will have the week-to-week responsibilities of leading
their congregations and providing Christian ministry in their home
centres. Some
students will go on to further studies leading to ordination.
LIVING FACILITIES
St Barnabas’ provides hostel accommodation of six persons per room, well
ventilated and with good facilities. There are internal bathrooms, a
dining room, and a kitchen using electrical, biogas, charcoal and
firewood sources. A total of forty students can be accommodated. There
is a good water supply and a normal 24-hour electricity supply. At
present there is no telephone or internet service available on site.
HEALTH SERVICES
Students can
be treated for minor and common illnesses at the local Diocesan St
Raphael’s Hospital. The College covers these costs for full time
students.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The main Course provided for Evangelists and Catechists at St Barnabas’
is a three term (each of 13 weeks) – one year Course. Students are
encouraged to grapple with Biblical and Pastoral Knowledge. Special
subjects included Agriculture, HIV/AIDS, Revival meetings and other
internal seminars on relevant topics.
The
basic subjects taught are:
-
Old Testament
-
New Testament
-
Evangelism
-
Theology
-
Church History
-
Islam
-
Pastoral Ministry
-
Teaching and
Learning
-
Preaching
COLLEGE LIFE
Students are encouraged to develop their personal spiritual life during
their studies. There are opportunities for daily participation in the
Anglican liturgy of Morning Mass, Noon Prayer, Evensong. Individual
prayer and fellowship groups are also part of College life. Students
participate in
ministry to the
sick and in outreach services through the Bishop’s Chapel. On Sundays,
students are assigned ministry in local churches. Social opportunities
are limited, but students can be found at local venues watching
football, TV or videos.
STUDENT SELECTION
Prospective
students must have completed either Standard Seven or Form Four
schooling.
Application forms are available from the Principal or Academic Officer
of St Barnabas’, and must be received 30 days prior to admission to a
Term One commencement date.
Students from other Dioceses within the Anglican Church of Tanzania are
welcome to join St Barnabas’.
FUTURE
PLANS
The Bishop and College leadership are continually seeking to develop the
ministry of St Barnabas’. At present there are the physical limitations
of only one designated classroom, an under-resourced student library, no
office facilities for staff, and minimal teaching resources. Each of
these infrastructure requirements cannot be met from student fees, which
are purposely kept to a minimum in line with the economic hardships of
Tanzanians. Staff development remains a high priority, so that the
College can continue to provide the best quality education in its local
context.
Generous supporters have been in partnership with the Diocese of Tanga
and St Barnabas’ for many years. We are thankful to God for them and
pray that our brothers and sisters in Christ will join with us in prayer
for St Barnabas’ and where possible enable us to move forward in
developing the ministries and facilities of Christian education in the
Diocese of Tanga.
CONTACT DETAILS
For
any further information, please contact :
The
Principal, St Barnabas’ Christian Training Centre, Diocese of Tanga, PO
Box 35, Korogwe, TANZANIA.
Email:
principlebarnaba@yahoo.com or
revmnkai8@yahoo.com
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