“Today marks a significant milestone in my journey.” Pastor Joseph Minani is dressed up in his best clothes to celebrate a significant occasion – graduating with his Masters Degree! He is one of 1934 to do so this year.

United Citizens for Change and Development (UCCD) operates these pop-up Bible schools all across Burundi. You might imagine that establishing a Bible college requires a bricks-and-mortar building, but UCCD’s model is to bring in a generator, projector and a hard drive – and suddenly degree-level education is available to anybody, anywhere!

Accredited by a USA-based educational institution, the Nation 2 Nation (N2N) curriculum aims to “partner with leaders to see whole nations brought out of spiritual and physical poverty through Gospel-centered, holistic education.” That means it equips Pastors with theological education, as well as skills for all aspects of ministry life.

Joseph’s story embodies this. “This approach has truly changed my life. One of the most impactful aspects of my studies was the community development courses. Over five semesters, I learned practical skills including sustainable agriculture, animal farming, and veterinary care.”

Joseph was quick to implement these lessons. “I invested £106 / $140 to start with 200 chickens. Soon, I was collecting manure for my crops and gathering eggs. Within a year, I earned £212 / $280 from selling eggs and chickens. I reinvested this money, purchasing a 2-hectare plot to expand into maise and bean farming. With time, I was able to buy a cow, which now produces eight litres of milk daily. My reputation as a farmer has grown; I even sell improved Seeds to the community, allowing me to earn significantly more than before. ” 

Wow! With the income he earns from farming, Joseph can provide for himself and his family, rather than relying on others for a wage. “God has blessed. I once thought [farming] was a pursuit for the poor; now, I see it as a viable source of income.”

With financial security, Joseph was free to serve his parishioners better. “The skills I acquired in the master’s program, particularly in marriage counselling, have enhanced my ability to support my family and church community. Furthermore, my children’s ministry has thrived. I now understand how to engage and teach children in Sunday school, and I’m actively training their teachers to enhance their effectiveness.”

Another graduate, Pastor Nadine, found the teaching on health very instructive. “The teachings on personal wellness, including hygiene and health, have reminded me of the gift of taking care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.” 

The programme is growing and growing. Since 2017, when N2N began in Burundi, there have been a cumulative total of 7671 graduates. The number of students who are currently enrolled (as of November 2024) is a further 7202. That is a staggering increase!

The reason this programme is so popular across Burundi is due to a recent law, requiring all church Pastors to have a degree. In response, demand for this level of education quickly surged, and UCCD was well-prepared to respond to that need.

Joseph cannot speak highly enough of the programme, “I have grown as both a pastor, a family man and a farmer. I’m very grateful to have gone through these courses.”