Who Are We?
ELCT Educators
Mwangaza began when Tanzanian educators named English -- the language of instruction in
secondary schools and the third language for most Tanzanians -- as the primary teaching
challenge. Their corporate dreaming and their understanding of the ELCA companion synod
program led to a proposal for an educational partnership and the development of an
educational resource centre.
The purpose of Mwangaza (Kiswahili for enlightenment) is to develop leadership and strengthen
education by providing opportunities for teaching, learning, and service in ELCT-ELCA
educational partnerships.
Unique Educational Programs
Mwangaza's uniqueness lies in the fact that its purpose is to make an educational difference in
the ELCT as a whole -- and to increase global mission awareness and participation in the ELCA as
a whole -- through the partnership of many companions. As you can imagine, this is a "muddy
business," as it doesn't fit the usual structures or budget lines. It began at the grassroots level
and was carried forward by missionary educator Dr. Shoonie Hartwig and a group of Tanzanian
teachers, until educators in both the ELCT and ELCA were ignited by the possibilities.
During its first 10 years, Mwangaza Teacher Resource Centre has developed programs that have
provided staff development programs for thousands of secondary teachers representing all 20
Tanzanian dioceses. An online partnership program that matches Tanzanian and American
secondary educators in six content areas and computer training programs have been recent
additions to the educational programs.
Educational programs for families include Award-winning programs in AIDS education. Mwangaza
has been a voice for AIDS prevention and development of family cultures that prevent the
spread of this insidious disease.
Significance of these Programs
Only 5 to 15% of Tanzanians eligible for secondary school have the privilege of attending. Many
secondary students drop out because they don't have enough English to make the jump from
primary school in Kiswahili to secondary school in English. There is no continuing education for
teachers, and no way to learn how to move from "write on the board, copy in your handbook"
methodology to interactive education.
The hundreds of Tanzanian teachers who have
participated in Mwangaza seminars in their
dioceses or participated in courses at the centre
speak of new energy, joy, and hope in their
teaching. ELCA educators speak of a
transformation in perspective and worldview. A
great deal of the program's effectiveness lies in the
fact that professionals are working with
professionals on an equal basis in the exchange
program -- teachers training teachers. A number of
ELCA educators have gone well beyond their initial
participation by teaching seminars in Tanzania at
their own expense.
ELCT Educators
Mwangaza began when Tanzanian educators named English -- the language of instruction in
secondary schools and the third language for most Tanzanians -- as the primary teaching
challenge. Their corporate dreaming and their understanding of the ELCA companion synod
program led to a proposal for an educational partnership and the development of an
educational resource centre.
The purpose of Mwangaza (Kiswahili for enlightenment) is to develop leadership and strengthen
education by providing opportunities for teaching, learning, and service in ELCT-ELCA
educational partnerships.
Unique Educational Programs
Mwangaza's uniqueness lies in the fact that its purpose is to make an educational difference in
the ELCT as a whole -- and to increase global mission awareness and participation in the ELCA as
a whole -- through the partnership of many companions. As you can imagine, this is a "muddy
business," as it doesn't fit the usual structures or budget lines. It began at the grassroots level
and was carried forward by missionary educator Dr. Shoonie Hartwig and a group of Tanzanian
teachers, until educators in both the ELCT and ELCA were ignited by the possibilities.
During its first 10 years, Mwangaza Teacher Resource Centre has developed programs that have
provided staff development programs for thousands of secondary teachers representing all 20
Tanzanian dioceses. An online partnership program that matches Tanzanian and American
secondary educators in six content areas and computer training programs have been recent
additions to the educational programs.
Educational programs for families include Award-winning programs in AIDS education. Mwangaza
has been a voice for AIDS prevention and development of family cultures that prevent the
spread of this insidious disease.
Significance of these Programs
Only 5 to 15% of Tanzanians eligible for secondary school have the privilege of attending. Many
secondary students drop out because they don't have enough English to make the jump from
primary school in Kiswahili to secondary school in English. There is no continuing education for
teachers, and no way to learn how to move from "write on the board, copy in your handbook"
methodology to interactive education.
The hundreds of Tanzanian teachers who have
participated in Mwangaza seminars in their
dioceses or participated in courses at the centre
speak of new energy, joy, and hope in their
teaching. ELCA educators speak of a
transformation in perspective and worldview. A
great deal of the program's effectiveness lies in the
fact that professionals are working with
professionals on an equal basis in the exchange
program -- teachers training teachers. A number of
ELCA educators have gone well beyond their initial
participation by teaching seminars in Tanzania at
their own expense.
About Us
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Mwangaza means "Enlightenment"
Impact of Mwangaza's
programs from 1996-
2006
• Exchanges: 82 U.S. and
Tanzanian teachers in
1996, 1998, 2001, 2004.
• 75 seminars with 2000
participants from 51
secondary schools.
• Mother/daughter
courses: 140 women
leaders trained, who have
taught 25,000 women.
• Father/son courses: 60
pastors/evangelists
trained, who have taught
750 pastors/evangelists.
• HIV/AIDS integrated
into all of the above
programs.
• Computer training for
focus school teachers in
seven dioceses.
programs from 1996-
2006
• Exchanges: 82 U.S. and
Tanzanian teachers in
1996, 1998, 2001, 2004.
• 75 seminars with 2000
participants from 51
secondary schools.
• Mother/daughter
courses: 140 women
leaders trained, who have
taught 25,000 women.
• Father/son courses: 60
pastors/evangelists
trained, who have taught
750 pastors/evangelists.
• HIV/AIDS integrated
into all of the above
programs.
• Computer training for
focus school teachers in
seven dioceses.
