- This has been very well for us all, very encouraging and motivating.

This was the comment from many of the Bible school staff members attending the first workshop of the Bible school network in East Africa hosted in December 2008. The cooperation continues this year, as there will be a new workshop in April, with Scripture Mission in the role as main network coordinator.

On their own
Previously, there were very little communication or cooperation between the Lutheran Bible schools in East Africa. Many years ago, the principals met annually, but the latter years the schools have had to make their own experiences and work hard to provide the neccessary materials and resources - all on their own.

In December 2008, representatives from three of the schools met for the first time to share experience and visions. This was the first time ever for more than the principals to meet together. Representatives from all of the three schools that the Norwegian Lutheran Mission is cooperating with attended; the Bible school at Waama in Tanzania has been nationalized, however at the schools in Kiabakari in Northern Tanzania and Kapenguria (Pokot, Kenya) there are still missionaries.

This workshop was the beginning of what we hope to become a larger network for the Bible schools in East Africa.

New connections
The workshop's main objective was to make an initial connection between the three schools, in order to let them exchange experience and ideas concerning healthy Bible school administration and teaching, as well as talking through their needs for literature. Moreover, it is a part of Scripture Mission Arusha's strategy as well; to initiate a network of Bible schools and help them with good literature. The workshop discussion showed that the Bible schools need a lot more books in Swahili, e.g. on ethics, pastoral care and diaconia.

Fruitful discussion
- Our discussions will make us able to improve our schools, the principal of Waama, Zakaria Dallei, said. Israel Saghware, a teacher at the same school, felt the workshop contributed to create a long-lasting unity amongst the contestants.

The next workshop is due the first week after Easter 2010, then in Kapenguria in Pokot.

Kristin Wennemo Malmin