Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)
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Browsing Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology) by browse.metadata.advisor "August, Karel Th."
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- ItemThe agency of the church in HIV/AIDS among refugees in relation to the host country(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Didier, Kasongo Wa Kumutombo; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: No abstract available.
- ItemAwareness-building : a strategy for an effective relief and development approach in the Nkhoma Synod(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Chikoti, Stephen Jailosi; August, Karel Th.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: ABSTRACT This paper presents a proposal of carrying out sustainable relief and development activities from the church perspective. With reference to the Nkhoma Synod Relief and Development Project, the paper suggests that awareness brings about self-reliance; and forms a concrete foundation for any community project. The first chapter gives an introduction to the whole presentation. This includes research problem statement, hypothesis, motivation, and possible value of the study. Chapter 2 looks at meaning of development and what role should the church take in order to empower and improve the life of the local community. Chapter 3 analyses the relief programme initiated by Nkhoma Synod. The chapter looks at some problems that made the projects initiated by the church and government in Malawi not to work. Chapter 4 looks at some steps of how the church of Nkhoma Synod can initiate her programmes in order to be successful. The chapter first looks at the meaning of church and mission, then it goes to look at what do we mean when we talk of self-reliance of the local community. Eventually, chapter suggests how best can the church in Nkhoma Synod approach relief and development programme to bring about self-reliance. The chapter looks at the role of the change agents and the community. The final part that is chapter 5 contains some concluding remarks. The paper concludes with remarks that the people themselves must see that coming together to work in small groups is not only to their own advantage but also leads to increase solidarity and strengthens the people as a group.
- ItemChurch/state partnership in development? : the case of Mitchell's plain and Khayelitsha in post-apartheid Cape Flats(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Nissen, Christopher; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the Edict of Milan during the time of Constantine the Great, church and state relations were always antagonistic as Christianity was adopted as the state religion. The same is true for the South African Church during the apartheid era, howbeit restricted to one denomination. When apartheid ended, the challenge for the Church was carving out a renewed identity, one side being the white Afrikaner churches that enjoyed positions of power and privilege and the other majority black churches that fought for the abolishment of apartheid. Notwithstanding the manner in which Christianity arrived in South Africa, many hold the view that separation of spirituality and the political is impossible and by extension is important, a fact put forward by the then newly elected President Nelson Mandel. With each new political dispensation came new leadership which did not necessarily hold these views however, the Church remained important due to command in numbers. The pursuit of political power vis-à-vis votes came in the form of co-opting religious leaders into position of power resulting in silencing the Churches prophetic voice. In chapter I highlight the challenges that both Church and state face, namely, fighting societal ills in all its forms. Both the Church and state serve their constituencies in the name of development with the expressed aim of poverty alleviation, however, what this looked like relationally required more research. With the use of David Korten’s so-called People-Centred Development approach, I aimed to ascertain the extent development took place on the Cape Flats with specific focus on Mitchell’s Plain and Khayelitsha along with the relational dynamics when societal challenges are dealt with in the name of development. By doing so, question the relationship of church and state in this dynamic is important as it dictates whether or not conditions within these areas will change. In chapter two I found it important to retrospectively analyse relational dynamics between church and state. I consider its historical functionality in ancient communities and what caused it to separate. This required theological substantiation as I illuminate the tensions revealed in the writings of individuals such as Augustine, Tertullian, Luther leading the Reformation. Similarly, consideration was given when tracing the history of apartheid in South Africa along with its aftermath, which certain aspects still being fought today. Communities remain divided with dire consequences as such require a voice which can only be given by the Church itself. In chapter three I analyse the “common enemy”, namely poverty in variation, as both church and state spend great time in battling it. The issue of poverty required an appropriate developmental response and thus consideration was given to the main contributors. When dealing with chapter four we are reminded based on analysis that communities are complex and were accompanied by a variety of customs before development was introduced. We also understand that they are themselves the Church and thus required renewed consideration through models of the Church. Both parties remain in constant tension with one another with an expressed desire for cooperation with diverse agendas. What remains true is that most interventions are introduced from the outside, with little to consideration given to involve the communities they serve. In chapter five I revisited the questions posed at the commencement of my research. A simple answer proves more challenging; however, my argument put forth would be one rooted in hope, and more specifically, Christian hope which falls within the Church as a community of faith. This Christian hope is not mythical but provide individuals and communities with a tangible way forward regardless of circumstances. Therefore, the Church through its message of Jesus Christ can bring about both emotional and physical well-being while communities are in waiting for circumstances to change.
- ItemDisability in South Africa : a theological and socio-economic perspective(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Mdluli, Patrick; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The United Nations (UN) declared the period 1983 to 1992 the “Decade of Disabled Persons”, and introduced the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Rules demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding human rights and provide guidance for policy formulation to improve the lives of persons with disabilities through their equal participation and maximizing their welfare. There is no consensus on a definition and measurement of disability (Altman, 2001; Mitra 2005:7). The study used the medical, social, and theological models to explore the theoretical, conceptual and theological meaning of living with disabilities; examine the respondents’ perceptions of the church’s influence on their spirituality and daily lives; describe the respondents’ socio-economic conditions with particular attention to civic participation, discrimination, employment, education and health, and make recommendations, based on the findings, to inform policy on people with disabilities in South Africa. The researcher adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach in the study. The population consisted of parents or caregivers to minor and adult children with varying degrees of disabilities, adults with physical disabilities, and family members with disabled persons. Data was collected by means of informal and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The main barriers to participation were that the respondents did not feel well enough to participate owing to their disabilities; lack of money; lack of confidence, and the attitudes of others either in the community, at work or at service points. Choice and control in the respondents’ lives was established to be an important aspect of wellbeing and life satisfaction. The respondents who felt they had a choice were satisfied with the services they received. The respondents with mental health conditions reported the least positive experiences and outcomes. Many of the barriers they reported related to their lack of confidence and the attitudes of others in their communities. The study was limited to a relatively small sample of respondents in the greater Cape Town area in the Western Cape, comprising only Evangelical Christians. Consequently, the findings cannot be generalised to all areas of the country and all the Christian churches.
- ItemExploring the dynamics of the refugee phenomenon and it's relevance in South Africa's development : towards the merging of theory and practice for ministry to refugees(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Msabah, Barnabe Anzuruni; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The history of migration is as old as that of mankind. However, the magnitude of its impact is extremely acute today as we are confronted by the manifold consequences of globalisation. Scores of people from different parts of the world leave their homes every day in quest of personal, economic, political, social, environmental, emotional and spiritual freedom or security, amongst other things. In South Africa, the local population has been witnessing floods of such people entering the country since 1994. They all have one thing in common: enduring foreignness and all its consequences at liberty rather than living with neither liberty nor safety in their own countries. However, most South Africans understand less the context of the circumstances that lead to asylum-seeking or the challenges that asylum seekers and refugees among them face on a daily basis. They less appreciate refugees’ contribution in the country’s development and even lesser, the little attempts by refugees to prompt transformative change in the community. As a result, intolerance emerges and xenophobia transpires. There is a serious need to educate the society on the issues concerning refugees. This research explores different perspectives of forced human displacement (particularly the refugee phenomenon) with the purpose of finding better ways to educate the society on such matters. So, what should the church’s contribution be in educating the population on the question of refugees? In this study we prove that, first of all, the church is to provide refugees with a sense of belonging and homely warmth. That is, it should be the truest sanctuary for refugees by receiving them rather than keeping them apart. Then, it should build a bridge of understanding between refugees and the hosting community. This means the church is to be the reconciler of the two communities. Hence, this bridge of understanding is reconciliatory and leads to transformational development in society. The study is a collection of academic reflections, theological insights and empirical data from 271 participants nationwide. It is a multidisciplinary study (albeit researched within the frames of practical theology) that promotes human dignity for all. This it does by taking the challenges related to the refugee phenomenon and turning them into opportunities to be explored for the benefit of the community. Based on our findings, we give some recommendations to assist community workers and guide policy makers in their attempts to effect transformational change in the community and be effectively responsive to the needs of refugees in South Africa.
- ItemExploring the role of the church in economic development : a literature review(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Solomons, T. J.; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation sets out to explore the existing scholarly literature on the role of the church in economic development. The research report method will be in the form of a literature review and therefore will be exploratory in nature in the hope to inform the researcher of the views of scholars on the role of the church in economic development as well as possibly preparing the way for further research into investigating this role. Chapter 1 presents the research methodology that will be employed as well as the objectives that the research hopes to achieve, include: - To investigate what Biblical scholars understand about the role of the church with regard to economic development by reviewing the existing body of knowledge on the role of the church and economic development; - To discover what the most authoritative views and accepted definitions are on the concepts under study; - To make possible recommendations to the church based on the findings of current and previous literature. In Chapter 2 a literature study explores the views of scholars on the meaning of 'the church' in order to investigate or establish what is understood by the concept'the church'. This chapter will further explore what is meant by the mandate of the church, the missional and diaconal role of the church, the church as visible sign of God's saving work and the church and liberation role of the church. This study sets itself the task to investigate literature on the history and the context of the church as a constituent body in the world and then attempt to find a form of consensus on the role of the church. Chapter 3 will have a particular focus on exploring the views of scholars on the meaning of development and economic development. This literature review will take a multi disciplinary approach therefore this chapter will have a particular focus on the view of scholars in economic development studies. Chapter 4 examines the views of scholars on the role of the church in economic development. This chapter seeks to investigate if the church has a role to play in economic development as one of the role players in the fight against poverty, unemployment and the establishment of effective development programs. Finally, the overall summary, conclusion and recommendations are presented in Chapter 5.
- ItemFamily ‘Three-folding’: a conciliatory and affirmative paradigm for human development in caring consciousness in society.(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-12) Siwella, Vimbainashe; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation is a literary study with a qualitative component, provoked by family 'crises' and escalating single parenting, predominantly by mothers in default family structures beset by many childcare issues. It investigates- through tacit elimination of weak paradigms, a developmental mindset, empirical research and biblical consultation- a holistic family paradigm best suited for individual human development in care consciousness in society. The study assumes that, at grassroots levels of society, monogamy, faithfully practiced by morally responsible, natural, parental agencies, is ideal for holistic child care and is suitable for human development. It can also serve as a pre-emptive strategy against the following: delinquency, father absence, abuse, neglect, divorce, separation, indifference, family disintegration, relational poverty, pathological disorders, feminized poverty calling for government intervention, and general societal unrest. However, the monogamous family set up of the nuclear family variety requires relational adjustment. Through studies in ethics and theology, 'care' emerged as a fundamental concept of what it means to be human and is a potential entry point to relational conflicts and lack of development sustainability. Care can spread through inclusion, affirmation, participation and empowerment of the formerly marginalized sectors. Perlas‘ social three-folding strategy, engages the power of politics and economics to care for civil society‘s needs in tripartite partnerships. Similarly, family three-folding units can be effective, at grass root levels, in bringing about holistic child care. Appropriate interpretation, contextual and responsible application of biblical principles for family life from both the OT and NT is part of the interdisciplinary research process. Ephesians 5:21- 6:4; Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24; Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and other appropriate texts will be analyzed in this regard. Holistic child care should contribute significantly to improvement in quality of family life leading to sustainable societies where human rights are respected and caring attitudes promoted globally. The empirical research sought data triangulation, of outstanding family and child care issues, through a phenomenological design that engaged mothers as the units of analysis. Variables were, among others, mothers‘ sentiments and perspectives of men, fathers and husbands. Samples of 10 single mothers, using a mixed sampling methodology and 10 married mothers (the focus group), were selected. In-depth interviews using standardized open-ended questions were utilized. The projective technique was effective in eliciting hidden, negative and bitter sentiments on gender issues requiring urgent attention. Work-overloaded mothers perceived men as self-centered pleasure seekers who are disinterested in child care. Abusive, controlling and economically non-contributing husbands are a burden to their spouses. Spousal rape, enforcement of government restraining orders and 'ukhutwala' issues also surfaced. On the other hand, seasoned, respectful affirmations of men were voiced by a few mothers who have experienced the godly power of forgiveness. Consequently, a frame of reference for family three-folding was outlined in chapter 5, based on biblical teachings, participant mothers‘ conciliatory mindsets, Christian single mothers‘ experiences, human rights considerations, good parenting strategies and relevant generic literature contributions. Conclusions: By analogy, family three-folding indirectly reflects, the relational and functional aspects of the Triune God; reconciliation is a crucial part of the Christian calling; care consciousness is God consciousness and no family is ideal enough out of union/ fellowship [koinonia] with the Lord. Consequently, a believing single mother and her children also constitute a three-folding family, with God as Father to the fatherless. Single parent families deserve support and encouragement. Family three-folding recommends, through dialogues in communities, that: - Men learn to curb their domineering tendencies and practice service [diakonia] to others, guided by biblical principles of servanthood and the "One Man Can…"manual; - women welcome responsible male headship in families for peaceful co-existence and holistic child care; - decision-making be inclusive of family members on issues that concern them; - awareness campaigns on sound family three-folding principles, values and models be initiated through the media, formal education and dialogues at all levels of the society.
- Item'n Konseptualisering van missionêre diakonaat met gepaardgaande implikasies vir bedieningstrukture in die Nederduitse Gereformeerde gemeente Onrusrivier(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-12) Venter, Nioma; August, Karel Th.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.The second half of the 20th century marks a paradigm shift from Christendom to missional theology with implications for missional ecclesiology. The being of a triune, missional God urges the church towards a critical-hermeneutical self reflection on it’s identity and calling in terms of evangelization and active involvement in an all-inclusive witnessing in the world. Missional ecclesiology emphasizes diaconial involvement in the world. The reflection of the Dutch Reformed Church on diaconia can be learnt in its conceptualization of missional diaconial work and how it is being implemented in the practice of the church. This ecclesiological development is being studied using the ministry of compassion of the Dutch Reformed Congregation, Onrusriver as case study.
- Item'n Missionale ekklesiologiese praksis evaluasie ten opsigte van die Kerk se bediening in die Stellenbosch area : 'n gevalle studie(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-12) Marais, Stanley Dawson; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The researcher makes a study of poverty in the Stellenbosch area and the reaction of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) towards this problem. He is convinced that even though the aid given to the poor is a common practice in church it is usually just relief orientated, and not focused on long-term community development. To evaluate the church's response to poverty the Bible's standard should be studied. That is why chapter 2 will study the Old and New Testament and the biblical reactions on poverty. In chapter 3 the profile of the Stellenbosch area will be laid out with the focus on the Cloetesville and Kayamandi area and their needs. Chapter 4 will study the general Synod's national response to poverty, with a later focus on the workings of BADISA in the western cape and then the DRC motherchurch of Stellenbosch as a case study on how they react to the problem of poverty in their area. The researcher will then close the argument with a evaluation of this response and a summary of what has been said.
- ItemOffender reintegration : a challenge to the Uniting Reformerd Church in SA, Porterville, in its ministry of reconciliation, restoring and healing to the relaesed offender in the local community(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-12) Frantz, Mariete Jolene; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: People re-entering society after a period of incarceration often experience an identity crisis regarding their life orientation. Society is reluctant to receive perpetrators back into the community after their release. Stigmatized offenders thus face a myriad of challenges after having been imprisoned. For instance, they struggle to find employment, which in many instances translates into family separation and ostracization. The undergirding assumption of this research is that restoration and development of the released offender and his/her family is possible. They can also be helped to find their appropriate place in society through the assistance of their faith community. The researcher consequently focused on the involvement of the URCSA in its holistic mission to released offenders and their families in the community of Monte Berta, a suburb in the town of Porterville. It was assumed that the transformation development approach, within the framework of practical theology, can assist the church in its holistic mission, contributing towards the enhancement of human development, fostering spiritual transformation, dignity, self-worth, justice, participation, freedom and hope. Based on Osmer’s methodology of practical theology, the researcher evaluated the rehabilitation process of the released offender whilst incarcerated, as well as reviewed development theories and approaches, and examined the relevance thereof for the church’s mission in support of released offenders and their families. She further proposed an integrated model to sustain the rehabilitation process and promote the reconciliation, restoration and healing of reintegrated offenders.
- ItemPeri-urban and rural debate on sustainability of community development : a practical theological perspective(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Maqhajana, Lulama; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The basic purpose of the current study was to provide a means by which both peri-urban and rural communities could promote sustainability in their communities. The research was, hence, undertaken with the above-mentioned social purpose in mind, which was to promote people’s well-being through applying measures that promote social justice and human empowerment. Such research was necessary in respect of the church’s involvement in terms of applying ethical and socially transformative measures, particularly within the South African context, with its increasing levels of unemployment, corruption, poverty, vandalism, and violent riots. The research attempted to provide communities, churches and development agents with measures that they could apply to sustain community development. The study took the form of reviewing literature, and then of proposing a paradigm shift affirming freedom and participation as the means by which sustainable outcomes can be achieved. Ideally, such a shift could contribute to all involved becoming accountable for their actions, due to the fact that the whole community is then likely to identify itself with the development concerned. The church’s role in the shift would involve responding to the call to be the voice and the hand that reveals the whole counsel of God, which it would be able to do by making use of the contemporary measures put in place for promoting people’s well-being. The current study affirms that the agents, the government structures and the church should work together, although they have different agendas. The agenda of the church is for the glory of God and for the well-being of the people of God, and that of the government and other agents is the provision of infrastructure, in terms of goods and services. The desire for such cooperation lies in the awareness that, if anything goes wrong, we all suffer. Therefore, it is only right that we should all be stewards of what we have as a community, as the roleplayers in a government, and as a church. However, to achieve all the above, we all need to be empowered, one by the other, so that we are able to complement one another’s efforts, by working in harmony with one another. Such mutual empowerment is to be done in the name of bringing about the well-being of all, and the promotion of a communal form of participation that encourages poverty alleviation and human dignity. This study is based on an analysis of the church, as well as of the nature of community development that has, as its essence, a reliance on the redemptive act of God, which affirms people's dignity and sense of self-worth. Such a conceptualisation agrees with the proposed paradigm shift that suggests freedom and participation as being the key principles of our development.
- ItemPoverty and the impact of microcredit : a theological reflection on financial sustainability in Lusaka rural, Zambia(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2011-03) Phiri, Justin; August, Karel Th.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study tries to examine the impact of microcredit on the lives of poor people. There are different views on microcredit as a powerful development tool regarding its success in developing the lives of the poor and, sometimes, these views are contradictory. However, poverty is a global issue; it is a problem that even the wealthiest nation is experiencing. In this scenario, a country like Zambia is facing a great challenge to alleviate or reduce poverty, because poverty is the cause of many problems, such as suicides, illiteracy, unemployment and diseases like depression, stress, etc. In order to control these diseases, poverty must firstly be controlled. At government, church and also at international level, many strategies are implemented daily to control poverty. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to observe what role microcredit is playing in poverty alleviation in Zambia. Zambia is a country that ranks below average on most social indicators within Central Africa. Its economic inequalities are enormous leaving indigenous Lusaka rural‘s population far behind. With this point of departure, this research aims to measure the impact of microcredit on indigenous poor people in a village situated in the poorest region of Zambia. Its purpose is to capture how the economic capacity has changed over time due to microcredits from a microfinance institution. In order to obtain a multi-dimensional picture of their situation, four additional related aspects are examined: the political capacity, social and human capital, and gender equality. In addition, a correlation analysis of the inter-relation between these aspects and the church is done. The results are two-sided and demonstrate no general correlation between time and economic capacity, nor among the four other aspects. The variables that increase with time are: the current construction of their houses, the quality of their clothes, and their political capacity. However, the reliability of the data is somewhat questionable. An ana-lysis of these contributes to the ongoing discussion on how to perform impact studies on microfinance institutions, as well as how different aspects influence each other.
- ItemThe quest for transformational local community leadership for rural development of the Malawian district of Lilongwe : a theological perspective(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Gondwe, Chancy P. S.; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In most African communities, local community leadership is highly esteemed and plays a crucial role in community development. Local community leaders, especially in rural areas, have much power and authority over community members and in most cases act as contact persons with development agents. They are key to the development of their communities. However, most communities experience a number of leadership challenges. A number of leaders are corrupt, oppressive, self-seeking and incapable of serving their communities. This hinders transformation in communities. Therefore, this thesis presents the need for transformational local community leadership for community transformation in rural areas, Lilongwe rural (Malawi) in particular. It contends that for community transformation to take place there has to be a leadership that is transformational to guide such change. The local church is deemed as an ideal change agent that can model transformational leadership and reach out to local community leaders because of its nature, call and strategic position in local communities despite its imperfections. To have a deeper understanding of the theme of this research, an empirical study was conducted in “Mgwayi” community in Lilongwe rural, Malawi, using a case study research strategy. An interdisciplinary approach was employed to gather primary and secondary data, which was analysed from a practical theological perspective. The results clearly indicate that the community experiences a number of leadership and general challenges caused by internal and external factors. The local church is playing some significant role in addressing these challenges; however, it can do better. Therefore, this study suggests that there is need for the local church to reclaim both its nature and its call so that it can take its rightful position and role in the community. There is need for the local church to exercise transformational leadership as modelled by Christ Jesus. Development agents can partner and work alongside the local church to empower it towards transformational leadership and being what it ought to be.
- ItemRole of Rwanda woman in peace-making with a view to community development : a theological perspective(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Ukwishaka, Claudine; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The story of the role of women in peace-making with a view to a Community development perspective is as old as the existence of the first human God created. The Bible shows that since the beginning of creation, a woman was given to man as a helper (Gen. 1:20-22). They both have responsibility to work, to bring change in the community and to make it a safe place to live. However, around the world women are among the most vulnerable when it comes to oppression, marginalization, injustice and all kinds of violence. Rwanda is a country in the process of recovering from the genocide of 1994 which destroyed the country, cost many lives and left other people in unstable conditions physically, psychologically and spiritually. As a result, all Rwandans are victims of violence inflicted by this war and many Rwandans are still living with painful memories, trauma, poverty, HIV/AIDS, fear and continuing violence. There is a need to rebuild peace and bring justice and reconciliation. Women, despite being the most vulnerable, have many assets which could assist in the process of peacemaking. For this reason they should be included in the process of peace-making with the purpose of finding adequate ways to avoid the repetition of the genocide and reshape the country into a safe environment for all – Rwandans, foreigners and all vulnerable groups. In this study, we will explore the concepts of peace, development and violence. These definitions will help us to understand that these three, influence the role of women in development. This means that, for women to be effective in development, they need a safe place to live, freedom to be involved according to their abilities in order to become positive life changers. It is proposed that Rwandan women will take up this challenge and continue to play a positive role in Rwandan community. They will speak out until their voices are heard and violence in the country is uprooted and until all Rwandans come back together again as a nation. Based on this study, recommendations will be given that may assist women to be more effective in their attempts to bring peace and develop the community as well as be effectively responsive to the needs of other vulnerable groups in Rwanda.
- ItemTowards a people-centred approach in theology for socio-economic rural community development in Nasarawa State, Nigeria(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Yoms, Ephraim; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research proposes a people-centred approach to community development in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, within a practical theology framework. The researcher, therefore examine the community development approach in Nasarawa State Nigeria, to ascertain the extent of a people-centred approach in order for a more robust concept that is reasonable for the church towards socio-economic community development. The data used in this research was collected from secondary sources. These sources include: articles, books, journals and public documents. The research recognizes considerable efforts made so far towards socio-economic development of Nasarawa State. The research indicates that socio-economic development in the rural communities continues to face major challenges, due to the absence of an effective approach to development. The research argues that the persistence of poverty in such communities is inconsistent with the riches of the State‘s natural resources. Therefore, the research proposes a holistic approach which focuses on the participation of the church in community development efforts, and which is motivated by both physical and spiritual needs of the people. It is argued in this research that contrary to modernization, relief and welfare which create dependency, a people-centred approach restores power to the people and enables active participation of the poor in the process of community development. The research holds the view that a holistic people-centred approach of development entails participation, empowerment, self-reliance and sustainability which are basic components of community development. The goal of the church in development in terms of reconciliation and building relationships is considered to ensure that these components are duly achieved.
- ItemTowards sustainable rural living : a theological critique on periphery-centre relations in Malawi(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Katani, Jacob; August, Karel Th.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation presents the conscientization of the people in the rural areas, on how the church in Malawi as a community-based organisation can be an effective vehicle in bringing change in their livelihoods. It is an endeavour to answer the question: How can the Church as a community-based organization respond to community challenges in order to be an effective vehicle for community development and sustainable rural living in the light of the problem of urbanization? The researcher argues that, if the Church can take a deliberate part, in helping people in self-development and bringing a positive impact on their lives in responding to community challenges, livelihoods can be positively changed. Chapter one: The first chapter is an introduction of this dissertation and it presents the goals of undertaking this study. It emphasises the fact that urbanization has become a big challenge in developing countries such as Malawi, leading people to flock to the cities, hoping to find an easy life, where they instead find life very difficult. Many people, who have migrated to the cities, find it difficult to meet their daily basic needs, due to lack of access to income. The church as a community-based organisation has a role to play in helping to bring a positive impact, on the people for the betterment of their own life. If the church can play an active role in unlocking awareness in people in the rural areas to not migrate to squalid urban settings, the desire to move to the cities can be minimized. Chapter two: The second chapter briefly describes the context of this research. It presents a brief discussion of the historical background of the church of Nkhoma Synod CCAP. It also gives a brief explanation of the country of Malawi and its geographical location. Along with this general historical background, the chapter draws an exclusive attention to the major contributions of the church to the community, and the unique role that it played in bringing change in the developing countries like Malawi. Through its holistic approach the church reached many people in the communities, and also its emphasis on community development made a major contribution to civic life in the rural as well as urban areas. Chapter three: The third chapter discusses the poverty situation and the Malawian church existence in this context. It further presents the problems that are caused by poverty in the communities, including the challenges posed by the prevalence of HIV/AIDS which Malawi as one of the developing countries is facing due to urbanisation. The church has a huge role to play to the community in regards to community development. Chapter four: Chapter four deals with the specific role of the Church in sustainable development, and it explores the importance of rural sustainability in sustainable development. The church by nature is missional and has been called to serve the triune God, and it needs to participate in sustainable development which reflects God‟s reign in the world, for it has the nature of serving God. It has been given the task to take care of the community, and its role is to place itself with the poor in taking the responsibility of identifying and dealing with the forces that are destroying the communities, in order to bring change. The chapter also deals with how the church can sensitize people living in rural areas, and the importance of staying in the rural areas rather than migrating to urban areas. The terms like "Sustainable development", "Community development" have been defined in order to appreciate on how the church as a community-based organization can indeed be an effective vehicle in community development, and help to create a sustainable rural living. The church has a unique role to play in community development. Chapter five: This chapter gives a careful contextual analysis of rural-urban areas, the challenges that the people in those communities are facing and what should be done in a sustainable rural living. It also discusses and explores on how the church as a community-based organization can be an effective vehicle to Community Development and sustainable rural living. In order to help raise the level of awareness of rural sustainability in human beings, especially those living in rural areas, this chapter has also carefully investigated the factors which attract people to migrate to urban areas and find out the solutions to these challenges. Lastly in order to understand how the church in Malawi as a community-based organization can be an effective vehicle in community development, the chapter has developed a theory of the four steps. These four steps are: Conscientization, Empowerment, Participation and Sustainability. In this chapter it has been emphasized as to how the church could/should engage with the people in order to be an effective vehicle to a sustainable rural living and help people in self-development and bringing a positive impact on their lives. Chapter six: The final chapter summarizes the whole discussion on this study. The study emphasizes the fact that, if the Church can take a deliberate part, in helping people in self-development and bringing a positive impact on their lives, livelihoods can be positively changed. If the church in Malawi, Nkhoma Synod, can take part in conscientizing the people in the rural areas to the importance and advantages of living in the rural, the number of the people migrating to cities can be reduced.