“We have made it!” First cohort of the MTEL programme decamp from Mindolo Ecumenical Institute with commitment to excellence

The Master of Theology in Ecumenical Leadership (MTEL) graduates decamping ceremony held on 15th May 2025 was a momentous occasion for the AACC, St. Paul’s University, Kenya (SPU) and Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation (MEF) in Zambia. During this occasion, the first cohort of the MTEL programme gathered to celebrate and be formally sent off to be ambassadors of ecumenical unity and leadership.

The theme of the day, “Decamping to Lead” set the tone for a hopeful and forward-looking celebration, emphasizing continued collaboration beyond the classroom. The ceremony began with a devotion led by Pastor Victor and Reverend Avalla, titled “We have made it, and we must continue to be excellent in all that we do.” 

Following the devotion, a brass band led a joyful procession to Charles Fisher Hall. With songs of jubilation filling the air. Opening remarks came from Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbowe, the program coordinator, who expressed deep gratitude to everyone whose efforts made the experience fruitful and worthwhile. In her remarks, Dr. Rosemary Chifulya, Vice Chair of the MEF Board emphasized that the graduates should emerge as transformed individuals and as living expressions of what they’ve learned.

“This qualification must show in your life,” she said.

Professor Hoyce Lyimo-Mbowe, Executive Director of MEF, described MTEL as a sign of greater things to come for both MEF and African leadership. 

Though in transit, the General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, joined the ceremony via Zoom. In his brief but heartfelt speech, he described MTEL as a long-held dream, a vision that took years to realize. 

Rev. Dr. Njoroge, Executive Secretary for Theology and Interfaith Relations at AACC, reflected on the program as a learning experience not only for the students but for the organizers as well. He encouraged the students to see Africa not just as their place of origin, but as their home and their future. 

Represented by Rev. Ntadazo Skonje and Rev. Munayani Zulu, the graduates offered heartfelt words of gratitude to the AACC, MEF and St. Paul’s University Kenya for investing in their spiritual, academic and career lives.  

AACC, SPU and MEF are now set to welcome the second cohort of students reporting on 30th May 2025

In the photo: MTEL Students showcasing their awards during the decamping ceremony