(September 17, 2013)

World House for Social Justice hosts Reverend Mande Muyombo

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary's World House for Social Justice will host Reverend Mande Muyombo, Director of Kamina Methodist University and Executive Secretary for Africa with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, from Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo, the week of September 23. All events are free and open to the public.

"Centenary is honored to have Reverend Mande Muyombo visit our campus," said Dr. Edward Ragan, Director of Educational Outreach. "His compelling personal story and passion for education will undoubtedly generate a vibrant discussion among our students, faculty, and staff."

What: Carruth Convocation for Faith and Academy: "Pray for Everyone"
When: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at 11:10 a.m.
Where: Brown Chapel, Centenary College

What: Reintegration of Child Soldiers Forum: Reverend Mande Muyombo
When: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Whited Room, Centenary College

In addition to directing Kamina Methodist University, Muyombo is Executive Secretary for Africa with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. The self-described boy from the "hood in the Congo," now works for peace in his home country.

"I could have been a child soldier, but I felt a call to ministry," said Muyombo. "Africa University made me a preacher."

Muyombo earned both a bachelor and master's degree from Africa University in Zimbabwe while also learning to speak English. He received his master's in theology and is a doctoral candidate of St. Paul Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, and recently completed a doctoral dissertation on the reintegration of child soldiers.

Muyombo is committed to working for peace in his homeland. "Education is civilizing, and it civilized me," said Muyombo. "I was able to rise from the 'hood'."

Under Muyombo's leadership, enrollment at Kamina Methodist University has grown rapidly from 144 students in 2006 to 540 in 2011-12. Muyombo works through Kamina to create a center for emerging Congolese leaders that accepts former child soldiers. Muyombo hopes that education will be the key to bringing peace and development to the Congo—a message he wants to share with a wider audience.

The morning convocation is named in honor of the late Dr. Nancy Carruth, a long-time friend and trustee of the College who was one of Africa University's earliest and strongest proponents. She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Centenary in 1982. Dr. Carruth was a dear friend of the Centenary College Choir who believed in the power of education.

Centenary's World House for Social Justice is one of three common residences with a common purpose. The World House for Social Justice will work to remove barriers that inhibit a person or persons from reaching his, her or their full potential - barriers such as poverty, global and public health care and disease prevention, illiteracy lack of education or artistic expression.

Centenary's campus map may be found here.