servant leadership
beyond academics
Fostering the desire to serve others is a cornerstone of Wesley College. As an institution founded on Christian ethics and ideals, the Servant Leadership program is an important facet of college life – for faculty, staff and students.
Students pursuing diplomas in Theology, Community Development, and Business Administration participate together in the Servant Leadership course. The program aims to build a culture of service on campus and extending into the community.
The two-semester course includes lectures, discussion, and service projects, with practicums in hospitals, NGOs or churches. Like all academic courses, students take quizzes and a final exam. While aiming to lead students to develop an inner drive to help and empower others, it gives them tools to live out the principles in their everyday lives.
Reverend Damson Maganga, Dean of Students and Servant Leadership Program Director, says “We have this program because the tradition and culture of Tanzania do not favor servant leaders.” Behaviors of those in power typically favor unilateral decision-making and disconnection between people in different layers of organizations and communities.
Students learn that Servant Leadership focuses on better relationships, respectful and effective communication, and intellectual and emotional investment in teams and groups. This program gives Wesley College a unique identity, when compared to traditional institutions focused solely on academic excellence.
According to Reverend Maganga,“We are looking ahead 10 or 20 years, when Wesley College graduates will be influencing a transition to servant leadership culture, throughout the country.”
In the words of one Wesley College student:
When student Neema M. was asked what she learned at Wesley College, she said:
“Wesley College taught me a new set of values. We were taught a different set of values than what youth learned on the street. It has brought me closer to God and also led me to want to help others.”
Learn how three recent Wesley College are living life as servant leaders, together,
as part of a cross-cultural missional community.