An update from Nairobi

From Father Michael Kirwen, director of the Maryknoll Institute for African Studies in Nairobi, Kenya:

“One of the special elements of MIASMU educational method is Pastoral Reflection (PTR) sessions (two per semester) that are organized and run by the students and field assistants. In these sessions, through skits and discussions, each class share with the whole student body what they have learned in the classroom and gathered in field research regarding the material of their particular course.
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“For example, on Sept. 28, the class Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment in African Religion presented a skit which emphasized that traditional African ideas of development, which are people centered, should be part and parcel of any social or economic development projects.

“The skit by the class on Spirituality, Personhood and Psychotherapy in an African context brought to the fore the dilemma facing many Africans, when psychologically or emotionally unwell, whether to rely on Western therapeutic practices or traditional practices. In the end the skit underscored the need to integrate Western therapeutic practices with African practices in order to be more relevant and effective.

“Last but not least, the class on African Christian Theology gave a hilarious yet informative skit that depicted how many Africans consider traditional African oaths such as swearing with skins and animal parts, as more serious than oathing on the bible or Quran. In the case of the former the repercussions are instant and severe if violated.

“Afterwards the students broke into groups where enriching discussions on the issues raised in the skits were further debated over sodas and cookies.”