One of the biggest challenges in Central and South America is access to education. The long distances to educational institutions are another obstacle, as transportation costs are also expensive. In addition, pastors and church leaders who work in their congregations are usually involved in other work to support their families.
As one of the oldest training centers for Protestant theology in Latin America, the Latin American Bible University in San José performs an important service among the numerically small Protestant churches.
Because the four-year university course is unaffordable for the poor churches and for many students, the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (UBL) developed a strategy: A network of agreements with theological seminaries throughout the region guarantees that students can study in their own cultural environment at home. They are accompanied by the nearest seminary and by professors from Costa Rica. Programs and exams are coordinated in such a way that even students who do not complete the university program in Costa Rica receive the coveted UBL diploma.
During the pandemic, UBL has noticed a sharp decline in the number of women on all courses. With the slump in income and the additional workload at home, e.g. due to homeschooling, it is often women who put their personal further education goals on hold. UBL is counteracting this with various measures.
Every year, around 90 to 100 people from 15 to 18 countries and a similar number of denominations study at UBL. Connexio hope supports the UBL with a contribution to the scholarship fund. This contribution covers the scholarships for 7 to 9 people.
UBL aims to provide theological education for all people, but especially for those who belong to historically vulnerable and marginalized groups due to their socio-economic status, culture or ethnicity.
UBL education should work towards students and graduates participating in the transformation of their communities and churches. Coexistence, peace culture, gender, social and environmental justice should be important.
| Project name | Latin American Bible University San José |
|---|---|
| Project number | 40200 |
| Partner organization: | Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (UBL) |
| Location: | San José, Costa Rica |
| Budget: | CHF 5'000 |
