Students of LCCN Deaf Center Academy. Photo: LCCN
Participants share how church and community contexts influence studies
(LWI) – As Ishaku Sunday starts the second phase of undergraduate classes at the University of Jos, it marks a significant step in his endeavor to use modern knowledge and design to strengthen education that incorporates challenges faced by people with disabilities.
“It will enable me to support inclusive education, particularly for persons with special needs and to contribute meaningfully to the development of church-based educational programs that promote equity, dignity and service to the community,” Sunday remarked. A member of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, he is among the nearly 100 students awarded scholarships by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in 2026. The study grants include a category for persons living with disabilities.
Prior to enrolling at the university for a bachelor's degree in education administration and planning, Sunday attended the Special Education Center in Jada, Adamawa State. His early education was in mainstream primary and junior school, until he lost hearing following illness in 2005. “This new knowledge will strengthen my professional capacity to design and manage effective educational initiatives,” he said.
At the first LWF-hosted online gathering for the new scholarship holders on 24 February, Sunday and other students shared the contexts of their studies. The Communion Office staff facilitating the event introduced them to the Lutheran communion’s history, vision and mission, and strategic priorities. “The strength of our communion is found in its diversity — each person’s unique gifts are essential to fulfilling our shared mission,” said Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Transformative Leadership.
The scholarship will enable me to support inclusive education, particularly for persons with special needs and […] programs that promote equity, dignity and service to the community
Ishaku Sunday, Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria
Giving back
From Indonesia, Rev. Muliathy Briany, Pakpak Dairi Christian Protestant Church, said she is preparing to begin her PhD studies in theology at Jakarta Theological Seminary, where she will research how the role of women in diakonia during the Great Zending era (1815-1940) missionary activities has shaped theological reflection and practice. “I hope this contribution will not only serve my own church but also provide valuable historical insights for churches across Indonesia,” she said.
In Brazil, Gabriela Giese, who serves as communication and public relations coordinator at the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB), will study media practices in managing crises in religious organizations at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Her research will examine how churches, especially the IECLB, use media to respond to institutional, social and environmental crises, and the role of communication in expressing faith, particularly in times of tension.
“Transparent, ethical communication and active listening are not only management strategies but ways of witnessing to the gospel. In this light, a crisis can become an opportunity to reaffirm mission, care for life, and strengthen public trust,” Giese explained.
In her doctoral research at Jakarta Theological Seminary, Indonesia, Rev. Muliathy Briany, Pakpak Dairi Christian Protestant Church, will focus on women’s contribution to theological practice. Photo: PGI/Yakoma
Ishaku Sunday is studying education administration and planning at the University of Jos in Nigeria. Photo: LCCN
Gabriela Giese, Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, will study media practices in crisis management at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul. Photo: Martina Wrasse Scherer/IECLB
Shared calling to serve
Kiilunen said the online meetings have become a valuable space for students to network and engage LWF staff on thematic aspects of their study programs. Held quarterly, they gather participants from the two scholarship categories: theology and diakonia -related fields. “Coming together allows us to celebrate what we have in common, embrace our differences as Lutherans, and renew our shared calling to witness to the gospel, serve people in need, address injustice, and advocate for peace in this world,” she added.
The strength of our communion is found in its diversity — each person’s unique gifts are essential to fulfilling our shared mission
Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Transformative Leadership
Future sessions will focus on topics such as leadership formation, freedom of religion, child safeguarding, and social media.
Since the 1950s, the LWF has supported the academic formation of more than 4,000 people. Through its scholarship program, it aims to strengthen member churches by equipping leaders committed to service, justice and public witness.
The students from Lutheran churches across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean will study theology and diaconal-related fields in 2026. Most are women and youth, preparing to strengthen their churches and communities.
