Update from Botswana – August 2007

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

Jim and Jayanthi Wilson – Botswana

Graduation in May
On Saturday, May 12, seven students received the Preacher’s Award certificate, seven received the Certificate in Theology, and six received the Diploma in Theology at our conference center in Palapype. In addition, eight persons were recognized for having completed a course in Pastoral Counseling. It was a wonderful occasion for all concerned with the graduating students, families and friends as well as for the academic staff.

Jim and Jayanthi Wilson – Botswana

Student Intern Returns to Canada
Debra Gill, a seminarian from Emmanuel School of Theology in Toronto, Ontario Canada and a pastor in training with the United Church of Canada, came to Botswana on September 4, 2006 to do an eight-month internship. In addition to having worked at Kgolagano College, she also worked with the Botswana Council of Churches and Trinity UCCSA Church. She did an exceptional job and will be missed by the many that came in contact with her. She returned to Canada on April 30, 2007.

Kgolagano Serves Nation’s Prisons
Nearly ten percent of our total student’s population of 225, are prisoners serving time in various places throughout the country. In an effort to better serve these individuals, the College has established a special collection of books through the library which can be borrowed by the prisoners through the prison chaplains, e.g. concordances, commentaries, Bible dictionaries and hymn books. The academic staff, also periodically visit the prison students and teach classes at their respective institutions.

An area of concern, is finding the necessary funds to provide scholarships for such students. The annual tuition for our prison students is USD 220.00. This vital and pro-active ministry is making a difference in the lives of these individuals.

The Library
In an effort to better serve our students academic needs, the College has recently become a member of JSTOR and Aluka. In so doing, it has given us access to vast electronic collections of journals in several subject areas, via the internet.

Staff Member Heads For Switzerland
Rev. Moses Bogatsu, responsible for Ethics, Systematic Theology and our Prison Ministries program at the College has been received as a student at Bossey, Switzerland through the World Council of Churches. He leaves on September 16 and will be away for one year.

In addition, Rev. Malebogo Mothibi who is responsible for Pastoral Counseling and African Indigenous Religion at Kgolagano recently completed an Advanced Course in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the University of Pretoria, Centre for Contextual Ministry on May 11, 2007.

Study Tour To Zambia
In the latter part of October some of our students and academic staff will make a visit to our sister educational institution in Zambia, i.e. TEE (Theological Education by Extension in Zambia. There will be opportunities for study, fellowship and sightseeing.

Visit To Norway
The principal and deputy Principal left for Norway in the middle of May to have talks with one of our partner institutions, Diakonhjemmet College. From those talks, it was decided that several collaborative ventures might be possible, including the development of a pre-primary teacher education program in Botswana. Currently, there is no such institution of that nature in the country.

Prayer Needs of the College

books particularly in the areas of Children’s Ministries, Pastoral Counseling, Theology and Pre-Primary Education.
restructuring of our certificate and diploma programs

Rev. Rupert Hambira (PRINCIPAL)
Dr. Rev. Bjorn Nygaard (Deputy Principal)
Rev. Jim Wilson (Tutor in Practical Theology, editor of newsletter, IT specialist)
Rev. Steen Sovndahl (Tutor in Biblical Studies and music
Rev. Malebogo Mothibi (Acting-Registrar and tutor in Pastoral Counseling)
Rev. Moses Bogatsu (Tutor in Systematic Theology & Coordinator of Prison Ministries)

Purpose Of College
Kgolagano College began in 1975 as the first theological college in Botswana. Its purpose then and now is to educate both men and women to be effective pastors, priests and lay leaders in their respective churches.

Jim and Jayanthi Wilson
James & Jayanthi Wilson are missionaries with the Kgolagano Theological College in Gaborone, Botswana. Jim serves as a teacher of theology at Kgolagana Theological College. Jayanthi serves as seconded staff to the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre in Gaborone, Botswana. She works in community development at the Mabogo Dinku Advice Centre.