During the joint meeting of the African Association of Methodist Institutions of Higher Education (AAMIHE) and the African Association of United Methodist Theological Institutions (AAUMTI) in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the two associations also met separately to discuss their own business and elect the new leaders who will prepare AAMIHE and AAUMTI for the future. The previous leaders had the difficult task of spearheading the associations during the difficult of a global pandemic. Because the associations were unable to meet in person and were limited to small online meetings, they had to face many challenges.
The two associations are multicultural by nature, including members from multiple countries in Africa and multiple language groups. Thus, the three official languages of both associations are French, Portuguese, and English – with many other languages being spoken during the event, including Swahili, Shona, Kimbundu, Lingala, and many others. Another challenge is the fact that many institutions are located in rural areas of difficult access to electricity, internet, and even reliable transportation during certain seasons of the year. Nevertheless, Methodist education on the African continent is thriving! While institutions are being closed in North America, South America, and Europe, there is a growing number of new Methodist schools, colleges, seminaries and universities in Africa. Today, AAUMTI brings together 31 seminaries and schools of theology all over Africa while AAMIHE congregates 22 colleges and universities. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) has provided support to these associations since their foundation, but they are led entirely by African leaders. IAMSCU and the Education Committee of the World Methodist Council (WMC) are partners in this endeavor as well.
The new leaders of the African Association of United Methodist Theological Institutions (AAUMTI) are:
- President: Rev. Virginie Umba (DRC)
- President Elect: Rev. Dr. David Bishau (Zimbabwe)
- Recording Secretary: Rev. Dr. George Wilson (Liberia)
- Financial Secretary: Rev. Agostinho Baião (Angola)
- Member at Large: Rev. Mahamudi Benoit (DRC)
The new leaders of the African Association of Methodist Institutions of Higher Education (AAMIHE) were introduced during the conference as well:
- President: Rosemary Nyarugwe (Zimbabwe)
- Immediate Past President: Kongolo Chijika (DRC)
- Vice President (Lusophone): Tiago Mutombo (Angola)
- Vice President (Francophone): René Gnalega (Cote d’Ivoire)
- Vice President (Anglophone): Yar Donlah Gonway-Gono (Liberia)
- Secretary: Peter Mageto (Kenya/Zimbabwe)
- Consultants: Jamisse Taimo (Mozambique), Executive Officer Stephen Hendricks (South Africa), Tukumbi Lumumba Kasongo (DRC)
During the conference, AAMIHE members also evaluated the new developments in the association’s website. For more information, visit AAMIHE’s website: https://aamihe.com/