New Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities of Africa and Madagascar

The inaugural meeting of the Association of Jesuit Universities and Colleges in Africa and Madagascar (AJCU-AM) is taking place at the Peace Institute of the Hekima University College, Nairobi, from August 25th to August 28th, 2019.

The Mission of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities of Africa and Madagascar (AJCU-AM) is to develop, support and promote Jesuit Higher Education by facilitating collaboration, networking, exchange of experience and exchange of best practice among institutions of higher education in Africa and Madagascar.

Jesuits, leaders of institutions of higher education from eleven different countries in Africa are meeting to discuss about the governing body, and future steps of AJCU-AM.

On the first day, they adopted the bylaws of the AJCU-AM and elected the Board of AJCU-AM, as follows:
• François Pazisnewende Kabore (Chair): Director of the Jesuit University Institute (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)
• Kizito Kiyimba (Vice-Chair): Vice-Chancellor Arrupe Jesuit University (Zimbabwe)
• Hilarion Rakotoarison (Treasurer),: Vice-President Magis University (Madagascar)
• John Ibhakewanlan Okoria (Secretary): Principal, Hekima University College (Nairobi)

On the second and third day, discussions will be centred on action plans including finances, collaboration, training and next steps to help AJCU-AM fulfill its mission.

Fr. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) offered words of encouragement during the opening session and later celebrated the Eucharist. Fr John the Baptist Anyeh-Zamcho SJ the Conference Delegate of Formation and Convenor of Rectors, Principals, Deans, and Vice-Chancellors meeting is also present.

This post has been written by François P. Kaboré, Chair, AJCU-AM, and originally posted at the jesuits.africa website.