Origins of the Centre

The Centre originated in a conference organised by the Heidelberg Institute for Christian Higher Education and held on the campus of the University of Venda, South Africa, in January 2000. Discussions by the conferees at this conference, while recognising the invaluable role of existing institutions, and especially the wide network of theological institutions, indicated a need for some type of permanent body to facilitate the development of Christian higher education in all academic disciplines and to provide a mechanism by which such endeavours can be linked for mutual support and encouragement. In response to this call, the Heidelberg Institute took the initiative, in consultation with others, to draw up an interim constitution and call together an Interim Council.

Although established on the initiative of the Heidelberg Institute, the Centre is an autonomous body independent of the Heidelberg Institute or any other institution so that it can focus on being the servant of all who are involved in or desire to be involved in Christian higher education in Africa.

The purpose and functions of the Centre

The purpose of the Centre is to promote and facilitate educational endeavours in the African context that are grounded in a commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ witnessed to in the Holy Scriptures as the directing principle for all academic life.

The functions of the Centre include:

• Gathering and disseminating information about relevant endeavours in Christian higher education;

• Identifying needs and locating appropriate resources to meet these needs;

• Maintaining and publishing a register of relevant research programmes;

• Facilitating interaction between individuals, organisations and institutions;

• Facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships in Christian higher education.

It shall not be a direct source of financial support but may assist, as appropriate, in locating appropriate sources of funding. 

The scope of the Centre

The Centre is to be the servant of all who work for an effective Christian presence in higher education in Africa. It does not seek to establish its own educational programmes or to duplicate what is done by others but aims to strengthen all endeavours that are consistent with its purpose, scope and statement of faith. While it will endeavour to locate resources, including financial resources, to support the development of higher Christian education in Africa, it is committed to the vision of a network of strong, independent organisations supported by the African Christian community to further the calling to Christian higher education in Africa.

With this in view the Centre exists to facilitate a broad range of educational endeavours at tertiary level, including:

• Diploma and degree programmes provided by educational institutions;

• Community-oriented education through seminars, workshops and short courses;

• The endeavours of individual scholars and scientists. 

International links

While CPCHEA is an African organisation founded on African initiative to serve Africa, it aims to link African Christian scholars with fellow Christian scholars around the world for mutual support. It believes that African Christian scholarship can only develop effectively in interaction with the worldwide community of Christian scholarship. It also believes that, in this interaction, African Christian scholars are able to make a unique contribution that will enrich Christian scholarship worldwide. For this reason, its welcomes dialogue with those in other parts of the world who share its vision of a world-penetrating Christian scholarship. Central to these international links is its special relationship with the International Association for Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE). Among other things IAPCHE has provided valuable assistance in the establishment of the Centre. For more information, visit the international links page accessible from the "Connections" menu.

Statement of faith

Member benefits

As well as providing the support to enable the Centre to fulfil its important mission, and having the opportunity for input in the decision making processes of the Centre, members enjoy the following unique benefits:

Governance

The Centre operates under the guidance of a Council, initially appointed members as provided for in its constitution, subject to membership election when there is a sufficiently representative membership for the holding of elections as envisaged in the constitution. The present members of this Interim Council are:

Dr Emmanuel Ayee, Ghana : Currently teaching at Dordt College USA

Esther Chege, Kenya (Treasurer)

Dr Stuart Fowler, Kenya/South Africa/Australia

Dr Faith Nguru, Kenya

Prof Mary Nyumbura Muchiri, Kenya : Currently teaching at Taylor University USA

Prof Primrose Kurasha, Zimbabwe : Vice-Chancellor Zimbabwe Open University

Samson Makhado, South Africa

Rev Isaac Mutua, Kenya (Director/Chairman)

Beth Wangari Njaramba, Kenya (Secretary)

Mr Albert Tshibangu, Nigeria

Prof Bennie van der Walt, South Africa

If you wish to know more about the organisational structure, you can download the complete text of the
CPCHEA constitution from the information menu.

Membership

As we noted above, CPCHEA can only fulfil its vision and purpose if it has a strong membership base that provides it with the means it needs for the task. Ordinary membership is open to all Christians, and Christian oganisations, who are regularly involved with higher education in Africa, and agree with the Centre's purpose and statement of faith. Ordinary members are fully involved in the governance and decision making processes of the Centre. If you do not qualify for ordinary membership, you can still support and be actively involved with CPCHEA by becoming an associate member. This category is open to all who support the Centre with a minimum annual contribution of US$20.