Diakonia at the heart of community transformation in Africa

Many of the children come from vulnerable families. KELC’s continued support creates possibilities for them to go back home, emboldened to speak for themselves and advocate for their basic rights in the community. "Our project stands as a testament to the church's prophetic voice and its role in sustainable development, and we are proud of the tremendous feedback and the lives we've touched,” Maua added. 

Our project stands as a testament to the church's prophetic voice and its role in sustainable development, and we are proud of the tremendous feedback and the lives we've touched.

– Mr Maro Micah Maua, Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church

FGM community champions 

Ms Mary Mmbaga shared ELCT’s initiative of combating the harmful cultural practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and gender-based violence (GBV), a project that has reached over 3,200 girls across three dioceses. By engaging village elders, women and faith leaders, the church has trained hundreds of so-called “community champions” to trace and report FGM practices.

She explained the challenging context against which FGM still occurs in many communities across Tanzania, despite efforts by churches, the government and other actors. “For those who undergo FGM, it is a traditional celebration. Thus, it is not easy going into the community to tell them to stop, it is a process, and we need more actors and funds so that we can continue to bring awareness,” she noted.  

Mmbaga also emphasized the importance of integrating FGM and GBV issues into church curricula and including peace-building components for a holistic approach. “Our project has had significant impact and sustaining its progress and funding remains essential,” she noted. “When we address FGM, we must talk about a safe space for a girl child,” she added. 

Ms Linda Chikerema, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia, introduced the “Pathways to Equality” initiative, which is centered around empowering the San community by integrating indigenous methodologies. It incorporates institutional unlearning and relearning of attitudes toward the San community and creating a community healing process. Designed collaboratively with the community, the initiative underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting social justice, and upholding human rights. 

A diaconal church 

Meeting in Moshi provided an opportunity to hear from the ELCT Northern Diocese Bishop Dr Fredrick Onaeli Shoo, who also delivered greetings from the Presiding Bishop Dr Alex  Gehaz Malasusa. Shoo encouraged the workshop participants “to seek a common path for transformation, reconciliation and building righteous communities” and “discover new ideas and practices for a diaconal church in the African context.”

The workshop was facilitated by the LWF Program Executive for Diakonia Mr Ashenafi Haile and the Program Executive for Member Church Projects Ms Rebekka Meissner, with support from Rev. Dr Samuel Dawai, Regional Secretary for Africa. Participants also reflected on biblical foundations of diakonia and advocacy for peace and gender justice. 

It concluded with visits to six institutions of the ELCT Building a Caring Community (BCC) centers for children and young adults living with disabilities. Established in 2007, BCC operates in eight parishes in Moshi, delivering comprehensive services to individuals and their families. It extends support to over 200 children and youth through both center-based and home-based programs.