Our vision is to be a leading African institution of higher learning that fully recognizes and actively professes the human value and dignity of all society members, including people with disabilities...
SEKUCo
The SEKUCo-SEPA partnership
In 2005, a delegation from SEPA visiting our companion synod, the North East Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, heard a dream from the Rev. Dr. Anneth Munga -- a college on the territory of the diocese that would help train badly needed special needs educators and other professionals.
A team from SEPA sprang into action and began working on Dr. Munga's dream. Special education experts began working with leaders of what would become the Sebastian Kolowa University College of Tumaini University developing curriculum. Individuals and congregations donated books and thousands of dollars to futher the effort. SEPA volunteers helped to design the technological infrastructure for the new college. Buildings were renovated to serve as classrooms, computer labs and dormitories.
In the fall of 2007 SEKUCo opened, and in its first year enrolled 137 students. The following fall nearly 400 students enrolled, with programs in law as well as special needs education, and work was begun renovating a second campus.
In 2009, the curriculum will expand to include business and eco-tourism, and 600 students are anticipated.
It is evident that God has a plan for SEKUCo and for SEPA's partnership with this college. Explore the links on this page to learn how you and yoru congregation can help advance SEKUCo's mission and vision
to be a leading African institution of higher learning that fully recognizes and actively professes the human value and dignity of all society members, including people with disabilities, and whereby everyone is able to learn and live in harmony with God, fellow human beings and all creation
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Upcoming Related Events
Related News
Assembly offering to benefit SEKUCo, mission fund
The offering at the Service of Holy Communion opening the 2010 Synod Assembly will be shared between Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo) in Tanzania and the Synod Mission Fund. If you wish to write a check for the offering please make it payable to "Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod."
SEKUCo sees challenges due to rapid growth
The Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo), the college of our Tanzanian companion synod, now has 824 students. Most of those enrolled are in the special needs education program, which is the only one of its kind in Tanzania. Rapid growth, while welcome, poses some challenges for the new college, with many students needing off campus housing and the libraries and classrooms requiring expansion.
SEKUCo starts third year
Our Tanzanian companion synod's Sebastian Kolowa University College (SEKUCo) starts its third year in October with new programs in nature conservation and eco-tourism and a total enrollment of more than 800 students. Click on to download the Fall 2009 SEKUCo newsletter.
Celebrate SEKUCo Sunday Oct. 4
Sunday, October 4 is the Synod-wide "SEKUCo Sunday" to encourage congregations to learn about and support the mission of the growing college sponsored by our companion synod in Tanzania. Click here for resources including a speakers list and worship helps for planning a special, global celebration.
Recital benefits SEKUCo expansion
The Rev. Richard Mathisen will perform a recital entitled "Concert with Commentary" featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and more on Sunday, July 26, 2009, 7 p.m., at Paul's Run Retirement Community.
Synod News
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Discernment, Repentance, Reconciliation
On a recent morning walk I reflected upon familiar words from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV). As I walked, I prayed and pondered about this time in the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is my prayer that we use this time for discerning and engaging; for repenting and reconciling; for restraint but not timidity; and for rejoicing. A Time for Discerning and Engaging Throughout the ELCA I hear people asking, "Is my voice heard? Will my voice be respected as we seek together to discern God's purpose for us?" The answer is yes. Nevertheless, people of deep faith and a desire to be part of this church wonder: Do we mean it when we say we can preach, teach and hold divergent views on sexuality and be full participants in the ELCA's life and witness? Again, the answer is yes.