Fulton DFL Graduation Program Empowers Ministers to Serve

On Monday, February 13, Fulton Adventist University College and Solomon Island Mission organized the Fulton DFL (Distance and Flexible Learning) Graduation Program at Maranatha Hall, in Honiara. This graduation ceremony was for ministers who had been serving the church but could not be ordained into the ministry due to a lack of theology qualifications.

This is the first Theology Certificate program delivered by Fulton College University in the country to help upskill ministers so they could have theological knowledge and skills to perform their work and duties as full-time ministers.

This was the first Theology Certificate program delivered by Fulton College University in the country, offering ministers the chance to acquire theological knowledge and skills to perform their duties as full-time ministers. The cohort began in 2019 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 29 ministers able to graduate. The cohort consisted of both full-time ministers and Volunteers in Action (VIA).

Mrs. Jean Alagappan the Quality Assurance Officer of Fulton College was the guest speaker who congratulated and challenged the graduates with their theme, “Empower to Serve.”  She also awarded the graduates the certificates along with Mr. Joseph Pitakia (TPU Associate Education Director).

 The graduation ceremony was attended by Solomon Islands Mission general secretary – Pr. Clifton Mark, Pr. Vince David, Billy Leta and other staff.  Other high-profile individuals, including the Honorable Minister of Education, Lannelle Tanangada, Honorable Danny Philip, a former Fulton student of Tailevu, Dr. Glynn Galo, former principal of Fulton College University, and several former Fultonian alumni like Jerry Pakivai, Stenneth Bulehite and others. Pr. Johnny Tango, a former Fulton lecturer and facilitator of this cohort was also present in the graduation.

 Beverlyn Maega, a graduate, said, "I am so privileged to be the only female among the 20 graduates. I wish more women were enrolled in this program because the work of reaching everyone will depend on total membership involvement."

 Pr. Fraser Reuben who attended the graduation on behalf of the Western Sub office made these congratulatory comments: "First of all, WSSIM would like to thank the immediate families and sponsors of the graduates for their support throughout the period of cohort. Secondly, thanks to the SIM administration for making this initiative a success. Next, thank Fulton University College for facilitating a successful academic journey for our mission workers. WSSIM is glad that we have our VIA and ministers graduating with a Certificate IV in Ministry. And since WSSIM is the host of Hoda Theological School, where the graduates began their study, we are happy with godly pride to see the ex-Hoda students graduate with flying colours today. We wish them a successful year of ministry ahead. Blessings."

 According to Mr. Joseph Pitakia, the Fulton DFL Graduation Program was a success as it provided ministers with the tools necessary to serve their communities with newfound knowledge and skills. Mr. Pitakia expresses his gratitude towards those who contributed towards making the event a memorable one for the graduates and their families at Fulton College University in Solomon Islands.