Developing a new generation of leaders is at the top the Seventh-day Adventist Church in East Africa's agenda, reports Jules K K Lumbu, spokesman for the church in the region.

A joint program of the 1978 established University of Eastern Africa - Baraton (Eldoret/Kenya) and the U.S. based Andrews University (Berrien Springs MI/USA), both connected with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is helping to prepare a new generation of leaders. September 23 saw the "proxy" graduation of 62 Master of Science in Administration degree candidates from throughout Africa, officials said. The actual diplomas will be presented by Andrews University.

According to Dawn Dulhunty, who directs the program, Andrews University offers the International Development degree in a number of regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Central America. The program began with workers of the NGO relief agency ADRA eight years ago in Africa, and has as its specific mission one of "preparing individuals for excellence during a lifetime of professional service and compassion in action," she said.

Dulhunty told local media that the program provides an opportunity for part-time and full-time students who are already professionals. Generally, students attend annual three weeks intensive study sessions over a four-year period. This program's objective is to develop quality leadership for local and overseas work within the Adventist church. It brings together a culturally diverse group of students seeking to enhance their personal and professional development, she said.

She added that the course explores the social foundations in understanding "people-centred" development. Students attaining this program will develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating projects, while also gaining knowledge of basic principles in organizational behaviour and administration work as they relate to non-profit organizations. Ethical principles and organizational accountability is explored while mastering social research methods. The program places a strong emphasis on the framework and best practices for strategic project management, she said.