Burkina Faso: Transformational Education
Charles Habib Malik, a Lebanese academic, diplomat, and philosopher once said, “Change the university and you will change the world.” For Moustapha Ouedraogo, this quote has been a defining feature of his life.
Moustapha grew up in a large polygamous family in a village in Burkina Faso. His father firmly resisted sending any of his children to school. But by what Moustapha calls a miracle, the director of the local elementary school convinced his father to enrol him. Education changed Moustapha’s life.
He completed primary and secondary school, and then obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology, a master’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in project management. Desiring to share his knowledge with students, he became a full-time team member with UGBB. In that capacity he currently contributes to strategic development, coordinates a Breaking New Ground project, and assists Francophone Africa Regional Secretary Dr. Klaingar Ngarial, in the facilitation of courses at the African Center for Contemporary Christianity.
He completed primary and secondary school, and then obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology, a master’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in project management. Desiring to share his knowledge with students, he became a full-time team member with UGBB. In that capacity he currently contributes to strategic development, coordinates a Breaking New Ground project, assists Francophone Africa Regional Secretary Dr. Klaingar Ngarial, in the facilitation of courses at the African Center for Contemporary Christianity.
But Moustapha’s days in academia are not finished. He is currently an IFES scholar, one of twenty staff chosen this year to receive partial funding for their studies. The scholarships are generously donated by two different trusts which create grants for those pursuing Christian ministry, leadership, and theology especially in the majority world. Applicants are recommended by their regional secretaries and must show that their course will help them in future ministry. Moustapha’s scholarship is funding his doctoral degree in transformational leadership.
“My intention in doing these studies in transformational leadership is to be transformed myself and to develop the skills necessary to make my modest contribution to the development of ministry among students, which for me is very strategic in the development of the church.”
This week pray for Moustapha as he continues to pursue his leadership studies. Pray also for the other twenty IFES scholars around the world who are currently pursuing studies in topics like global leadership, theology, and New Testament studies.
- Pray that the effects of the pandemic will not hinder their studies.
- Pray that their knowledge may be used effectively in their future and current ministry.
- Pray that their influence may raise up more leaders to widen the reach of the gospel in their context.