Research Partnership with the Université Évangélique en Afrique

In the May Communiqué, we reported that Education Congo (EC) was evaluating four projects for initial partnership with Université Évangélique en Afrique (UEA) in Bukavu. We are happy to report now that EC has agreed to partner with UEA on an important research project under the headings of Peace, Gender and Conflict Transformation.

This project will examine how South Kivu churches have addressed the extraordinary violence in the area since 1997 and seek ways to collaborate with area churches in developing effective responses and methods to transform conflict and bring healing.

UEA is uniquely qualified and positioned in several ways to take leadership in such research:

  • UEA has developed leadership, experience and expertise in this field of research through their Departments of Conflict Transformation in the faculty of Social Sciences and of Peace and Development in the faculty of Theology.
  • UEA has always worked closely with Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Denis Mukwege in his pioneering efforts to end sexual violence against women and to establish the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu to treat victims. Dr. Mukwege is Vice Dean of the Medical Faculty at UEA, so remains closely tied to UEA in this field of research.
  • In 2010, Dr. Mukwege challenged the University of Michigan (U of M) to become involved with Panzi Hospital and UEA. Out of this relationship the U of M has joined UEA in the development and administration of the International Centre for Research and Training (ICART).
  • Finally, through their faculty of Theology and pastoral training, UEA has developed effective relationships within the churches where this research will be conducted.

This project is highly pertinent and timely in communities throughout Congo, so we are excited to offer you the opportunity to participate.

$12,000 is needed to complete this project. To contribute, please click on the Donate button and designate “UEA Peace Project” or mail your check to: Education Congo 2216 Elgin Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA