Education for social change in Tanzania

Project Number: 186.1504

Sound, contextually relevant theological training is crucial if churches in Tanzania are to make their contribution to a more just and peaceful society. Future pastors should not only be theologically competent, but also have skills in social diaconal work. Mission 21 supports this change through personnel assignments, scholarship programs for disadvantaged students and the targeted further training of lecturers and church leaders.

Background information

Tanzania - like many countries in the global South - faces major social challenges: Poverty, violence, gender inequality, dealing with HIV/AIDS and the need for peaceful interfaith coexistence. Religious communities and their leaders play a central role in these social issues.

Mission 21 has been working in partnership with the Moravian Church in Tanzania for many years. Due to their wide distribution and socially respected position, pastors and church leaders have an important role to play in social change. Theological training that addresses this responsibility and church education work that promotes peace, justice, inclusion and interreligious dialog - open to all denominations and religions - are therefore of great importance.

One example of this is the theological seminary at Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) in Mbeya, which offers an academically sound, ecumenically open and socially relevant education. The courses are also attended by students from neighboring countries such as Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.

Project goals

Graduates acquire skills to actively tackle social challenges such as HIV, poverty, violence and inequality.
They promote holistic development in their communities and the wider social environment.
The training raises awareness of interfaith relations, (gender) justice, peacebuilding and the inclusion of people with disabilities.
Access to high-quality theological education - regardless of gender or social background.

Target groups

Six scholarship holders at the Faculty of Theology at TEKU
Approx. 350 multipliers (church leaders, pastors, lecturers)

Activities

The following activities are planned for 2025:

Promotion of teaching with a focus on inclusion, gender equality, peacebuilding, interfaith relations, ecumenism and the prevention of HIV and domestic violence.
Awarding of six scholarships to disadvantaged women for a Bachelor's degree in theology.
Networking and exchange with national and international theological training centers.

Project progress

In 2025, six scholarship holders completed their theology studies at TEKU. Six new scholarship holders began their studies in October.

More than 210 participants attended the workshops for multipliers (religious and political leaders) in 2025 and received further training in the areas of inclusion of people with disabilities, gender equality, climate change and leadership skills.

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