FAUC's Off-Campus Program Boosts Qualification Opportunities in Vanuatu

Fulton Adventist University College (FAUC) has organized a series of off-campus courses to provide academic qualification opportunities for untrained teachers, ministers, and Bible workers in Vanuatu. The courses, which ran from June 5th to 30th, were organized in collaboration with the Vanuatu Education Department, secretariat, treasury, and other departmental directors.

Around 165 participants from various parts of Vanuatu, encompassing kindergarten, primary school teachers, ministers, and Bible workers, attended the courses. Among them, 35 individuals, including one woman, enrolled for the Theology program while 130 pursued the Education program, split between Port Vila and Santo cohorts.

The participants had the opportunity to learn from an array of esteemed guest speakers from FAUC. In the Education Department, the speakers included Mrs. Akanisi Lanyon, Mrs. Teupola B. Nayaca, Mrs. Martha Komaitai, and Mrs. Lusi Leitabu. In the Theology Department, Mrs. Kelera Sukanabulisau, Dr. Limoni Manu, Dr. Tabua Tuima, and Pr. Eliki Kenivale Ravia shared their knowledge.

The event took place as part of FAUC’s quinquennial strategic plan, specifically addressing two strategic areas: Enhancing leadership skills and the governance mechanism, and Strengthening the purpose and effectiveness of Adventist Institutions. The overarching goal is to provide regular growth opportunities and continuous mentorship for the current and potential leaders such as pastors, teachers, and other frontline workers, and to improve the effectiveness of Adventist institutions by employing qualified Missionary workers.

This program, is set to continue until June 2024 for the first cohort. Participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate level 4, allowing them to progress with their Bachelor program from 2025 onwards.

One notable story from the event was a group of participants from the AMPA District, who despite being not enrolled in FAUC's system, managed to attend the event. They were financially supported by Mr. Freddy Nembu and Mr. Nicolson Garae to hire a plane when their confirmed flight was cancelled.

Mrs. Jane Friete, the only female student who enrolled in the Theology program, said, “My personal experience, in helping and supporting my husband to accept Jesus, was enough of a motive to do more for Jesus. The Lord saw the desire of my hearts and my prayers have been answered. I made the decision to study Theology so I will be able to point more people to Jesus.”

Mr. Jeffesen L. Trief also expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating, “Finally it has happened, it is happening, and it will continue to happen. The FAUC OFF CAMPUS is now a reality for Vanuatu. We praise God for His leading and His timing. We will continue the partnership for as long as it takes to upgrade our human resources to become more competent in their field of work."

The FAUC OFF CAMPUS initiative has been a significant step in enhancing educational and theological opportunities for untrained teachers and ministers in Vanuatu, and is expected to have a positive impact on the future of the Adventist institutions in the country.

Story by Mrs. Cecile Trief

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