The role of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) as a pioneer of social development through education in Ovamboland (1870-1970) : a church historical study

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is a historical investigation of the role of the Evangelical Lutheran Church inNamibia (ELCIN) regarding social development with special attention to education as anagency of social change. ELCIN is the largest Lutheran church in Namibia, which was bornout of the Finnish missionary activities after their arrival in the former Ovamboland in 1870.The Finnish missionaries became the first missionaries to do mission work in Ovamboland.This qualifies them to be regarded as pioneers of social development and of thetransformation of society through education among the Ovambo people.ELCIN's humble beginnings started as a mission field and developed into missioncongregations; thereafter as a mission church and finally as independent church in 1954.The study shows that since its inception ELCIN has been committed to serve her membersholistically (spiritually and socially). The focus of this study is to contribute to theunderstanding of the role ELCIN played to bring about development through education. Thestudy therefore attempts to answer questions regarding the role the Finnish missionariesplayed in education and should be understood within the broader context of the history ofELCIN, for example, what arrangements were made and what developments took placeduring the indigenization process. Further, the study points out the educational challengesELCIN encountered during the time of social development through education. In answeringthese questions, the study demonstrates how ELCIN played a decisive role in socialdevelopment in Ovamboland, especially by way of education and training. The study refersto both informal (Christian) and formal (general or inclusive secular) education and the roleeach of these forms of education played in social change. The study also reflects on theengagement between ELCIN and the context resulting from the South African mandate in Namibia (then South West Africa). Finally, it is recommended that, in light of the positivecontribution made by ELCIN to the social development of its members and communities byway of education in the past, it should continue this role in an independent Namibia. Thiscould be done by way of intensifying Christian education among its members in order toeducate and inspire people to remain faithful to their Christian values. In this way, ELCIN willcontinue to play a meaningful role in the life of communities and their members.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University