Hélène Ralivao Fund offers “unique opportunity” for women and men in LWF member churches in Africa to pursue studies in theology, gender justice and leadership education.
Phiona Uwase from the Lutheran Church of Rwanda, pictured at LWF’s Youth Pre-Assembly in Poland, was a scholarship holder for the 2023 training in theology, gender justice and leadership education. Photo: LWF/J.C. Valeriano
LWF’s Hélène Ralivao Fund supports candidates to pursue studies in theology, leadership and gender justice
(LWI) - Applications are open for women and men from member churches in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Africa region who are keen to pursue studies in theology, gender justice and leadership education.
The LWF’s Hélène Ralivao Fund, in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and Tumaini University Makumira, offers up to 30 scholarships a year for candidates committed to promoting gender justice in their churches and societies. The fund is named after a leading theologian and gender justice advocate from the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Its goal is to equip participants with knowledge and research skills, enabling them to serve the church in their local contexts.
Participants will attend an in-person training session at Tumaini University Makumira from 3 to 16 March 2024, before carrying out research in their home contexts and returning to Tanzania later in the year to present their research.
Deadline for applications is 27 November
The selection process will adhere strictly to LWF’s gender and youth quotas, meaning that at least 20 percent of all successful applicants will be below 30 years of age and no more than 40 percent will be male. The deadline for applications is 27 November 2023 and successful candidates will be notified by 15 December this year.
Reach out to [your] church leadership to request the application form and required endorsement.
Rev. Dr. Marcia Blasi, LWF Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women's Empowerment
“This is a unique opportunity,”, said Rev. Dr. Marcia Blasi, LWF’s Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women's Empowerment. “We encourage candidates who fulfill the criteria and are eager to learn and share experiences, to reach out to their church leadership to request the application form and required endorsement.”
Applicants should be able to communicate in English or French and have a minimum of an advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree. They must have time available for research and writing, and their preferred field of study should reflect the needs of their church, as well as aligning with the objectives of the Hélène Ralivao Fund.
All participants must be able to demonstrate their commitment, ability and motivation to serve their church at the end of the training. They should currently be engaged in the life of the local church, whether at levels of governance or through programs including mission and evangelism, youth and children’s ministry, gender justice, diaconal work, advocacy, development or communications.
