Kgolagano’s Aims for Student Academics

Kgolagano’s Aims for Student Academics

Dear friends, partners and co-workers of Common Global Ministries,

It brings me no greater honor than to bring you up-to-date regarding my work at Kgolagano College, Gaborone, Botswana.

Historically, Kgolagano College is a Christian ecumenical institution of higher learning that was founded in 1975 by a group of churches and Christian organizations. Although our focus remains theological in its orientation, our college currently offers a broad-range of academic courses that will enhance the lives of our younger students who are not necessarily interested in becoming pastors or seeking careers in fields associated with Christian ministry.  The mission is to service the broad array of church leaders, the learning population, and the general citizenry of Botswana by offering diversified, but relevant academic programs of excellent quality.

Kgolagano’s aim is to enhance the human person (Botho) through excellent academic and professional development, which will promote self-worth and the God-ordained potential of the individual’s worth for a better society. Accordingly, our college management, our faculty, staff and student aims are further rooted in the African philosophy of life (Ubuntu) in which care, reciprocity, acceptance, openness and equality are its core values.

Having been blessed to serve in a number of countries, this service continues to bring me great joy. For the past six months, 21 days and counting, I have been in Gaborone, Botswana, serving as a mission-coworker at Kgolagano College. Although my work varies from day to day, my specific title is “deputy principal” of the college. My specific duties include but are not limited to acting as principal in the absence of the principal Dr. Prince Dibeela, acting as the representative to the Board of Quality Assurance in terms of quality control matters in regards to complying with the academic standards of the country. I also chair the academic and worship committees and serve as a senior lecturer.

In my position as Deputy Principal, I have unparalleled opportunities to be genuinely and openly involved in shaping the scholarship and literary views of Botswana innovators, Christian ministers, and lay-workers, students who themselves will ultimately become educators and mentors, while others will participate in serving their country as business executives and/or work in various levels of the government. Additionally, I have opportunities to represent Kgolagano College at other collegiate events, community forums, and seminars. And occasionally, I share a homily on Sunday mornings with various local congregations.

With this responsibility comes many challenges, and from time to time, I need to encourage myself. The fundamental scripture that keeps me invigorated when faced with such challenges is the reminder of why I am a mission-coworker; Luke: 4:18, “. . . He has anointed me to give witness of the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to those in captivity and recovery of sight to the blind, and to help the oppressed go free!” This message is conclusively a real aspect of the educational process. Moreover, the following texts serve as the foundation of the assurance that I can fulfill my daily tasks: Isaiah 54:17; 1 John 4:4; Philippians 4:13, 19, and Numbers 23:19.

Before I close, I want to ask you to join me and our Kgolagano family, in prayer for our College and for the people of this great country, Botswana. As regards the college, please pray that we become freed from our past problems and conflicts; further that our current staff will work in concert as a team in Christian service, and pray that our college will attract qualified students.

In regards to Botswana, this summer has been exceptionally hot and we have experienced several heat waves with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, lasting for several days at each interval. As result several livestock have died and many people have become seriously ill due to the intense heat (myself included). Please pray for good rain to help resolve the parched conditions of this country.

In closing, I am convinced that I am in the right place at the right time doing what God has called me to do and that is to serve God’s people, globally, for God’s glory and honor!

Victoria Peagler serves with Kgolagano Theological College in Botswana. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, and your special gifts.