Ever since I arrived in Morogoro, I have been asked to teach at Jordan University College, where our seminarians study Philosophy and Theology. I had many reasons for saying “no.” I had many adjustments to make and was not sure about how much time my responsibilities as rector and superior would take. I was able to be evasive because no one asked me directly…until a few months ago.
Fr. William Ngowi, the dean of theology, came to visit our formation house and asked me if I would teach this semester. I know that they need qualified teachers, and we are sending our seminarians there. If every member of a religious community refused, who would teach our seminarians? So, although I had many reservations, I said “yes.”
I am worried about many things: available time to do a good job, differences in teaching methods and expectations, the size of classes, the subject matter, and, of course, all the cultural and language challenges.
In any case, I am now into my third week. I am teaching Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. I have two class meetings: Wednesdays from 8:00-10:00 and Thursdays from 10:00-1:00. I have 96 first-year theology students in the class! (One of my fears is realized on this one!)
I pick up a projector for each class and use this to project notes and other class materials. Of course, this depends upon electricity, which has already cut out several times. We were assigned to two different classrooms. One seems quite adequate, but the other has problems. I have to put two tables together and place a chair on the tables in order for the projection to work properly. I also have to place a small piece of paper between the plug and the outlet in order for the electrical charge to get to the machine. (Another fear is realized here!) In any case, the projector is working, even if it is a bit crooked.
The seminarians were taking a quiz about the motivation for Mark to write his gospel, the date and the place of writing of the Gospel of Mark, and how the disciples are portrayed in this gospel. It takes me about one hour to grade the quizzes and I give one each class. I want them to learn!
I have two Resurrectionist seminarians in the class: Valentino Chatanda and Livinus Galeba. I asked them how things were going, and they both told me that people have trouble understanding my English, but I am speaking slowly and repeating, so they usually “get it.” I have to keep this in mind. Of course, the challenge for me is to understand the students when they answer or ask a question.
All the students are members of various religious communities except for one lay student. I do not know “his story” but he has made an appointment to talk with me. This, of course, is another challenge. He has asked to speak with me, two others have asked me to be their spiritual director, and two others have asked me to direct their long papers for graduation. This is a challenge for someone like me who has trouble saying “no.”
Despite all the difficulties and challenges, it is amazing to be part of this enterprise…helping almost 100 young men to learn about Matthew, Mark and Luke so that they can grow in understanding in their preparation as future priests and preachers of the Word of God.
More to come on www.resurrectionists.ca
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