Master's Level

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    A Case-Control Study of Caregiver’s Feeding Knowledge and Practices, in Relation to Etiology of Diarrhea Among Children Aged 0-23 Months in Gokwe North District, Zimbabwe
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2023-03) Chiketa Takudzwanashe Moses
    Diarrhea prevalence among children under-five in Gokwe North district was estimated at 16.5% in 2018, surpassing the national average of 10% in the same period. The World Health Organization confirms that 54% of deaths due to diarrhea and other causes in under-fives have malnutrition as an underlying factor. The current study sought to investigate the possible relationship between the high diarrhea burden and Nutrition by examining the knowledge and practices of primary caregivers in the feeding of infants. The research followed a matched case-control study design. A Case was defined as the mother of a child who had had one or more episodes of diarrhea two weeks before the interview date. The selection of seven clinic catchment areas, 149 cases, and 149 controls was done through multi-stage sampling. Chi-Square tests for association and a binomial logistic regression model were conducted using SPSS version 16. Controls tended to be more knowledgeable than cases on the recommended IYCF practices. In the 0 to 5-month age group, practices that were significantly associated with diarrhea were mixed feeding (p=0.001), exclusively breastfeeding (p=0.000), and IYCF knowledge (p=0.001). For the 6 to 23 months age group significant associations were noted with the number of handwashing times (p=0.035), access to improved pit latrine (p=0.022), source of water for household use (p=0.007), type of container used (p=0.040), Mid Upper Arm Circumference (p=0.000) and IYCF Knowledge (p=0.001). Significant predictors of diarrhea in children of 0-5 months of age were IYCF knowledge [AOR 1.15, (CI 1.06; 1.24) P = 0.001], water source [AOR 20.9, (CI 1.77; 28.4) P = 0.016]. as well as the use of a nipple bottle [AOR 0.057, (CI 0.01, 0.48) P = 0.009]. For the 6 to 23-month age group significant predictors were IYCF Knowledge [AOR 1.034, (CI 1.01; 1.06) P = 0.001] and meal frequency [AOR 0.254, (CI 0.09; 0.71) P = 0.010]. Both IYCF and WASH practices were found to be having an association with diarrhea incidence in under-five children, particularly the 0-23-month age group. IYCF practices mostly affected the 0-5 months age range whereas as the child grows further into the 6-23 months range WASH-related factors have the greater influence in determining diarrhea.
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    A comparative analysis of knowledge, attitudes and practices on occupational safety and health compliance among small-scale bakeries in Harare, Zimbabwe
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2023-04) Busangavanye, Gelien
    This study sought to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on Occupational Safety and Health compliance among small-scale bakeries. Data were collected from 137 participants from the small-scale bakeries in Willowvale industrial area, Harare, Zimbabwe period (September to October 2021). Questionnaires, interviews, observation checklists and heat and light measurements were used for data collection. Negative binomial regression was used to assist in establishing the strength of the relationship between variables and know which independent variable was a significant predictor of compliance with OSH standards. Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS, version 23 was used for data analysis. The majority of the participants were males 99% and their age range was 19-30 years. The study revealed that 83% of small-scale bakeries functioned outside the requirements of the Zimbabwean OSH legislation and regulations by failing to register their operations under the Factories and Works Act Chapter 14:08. OSH management structures were essentially not there and OSH programs implementation was very poor and minimum. Employees were unprotected from several hazards including heat exposure and poor lighting. The findings obtained from the study are not statistically significant. This is shown by the P values (P > | z |) obtained which are all greater than 0.05. In conclusion, several recommendations were made for improved OSH knowledge, attitude, practices and compliance in the small-scale bakery industry. These include, management taking responsibility of the employee’s safety and health through implementation of occupational safety and health programs including OSH training. Employees need to develop a positive attitude towards OSH and implement daily safety practices. The legislators should offer tailor made and considerate interventions for such operations with main thrust on awareness and training promotions to develop and foster the essential knowledge, attitudes as well as positive practices that will result in sustainable OSH compliance in small-scale bakery industry.
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    A comparative analysis of knowledge, attitudes and practices on occupational safety and health compliance among small-scale bakeries in Harare, Zimbabwe
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2023-04) Busangavanye, Gelien
    This study sought to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on Occupational Safety and Health compliance among small-scale bakeries. Data were collected from 137 participants from the small-scale bakeries in Willowvale industrial area, Harare, Zimbabwe period (September to October 2021). Questionnaires, interviews, observation checklists and heat and light measurements were used for data collection. Negative binomial regression was used to assist in establishing the strength of the relationship between variables and know which independent variable was a significant predictor of compliance with OSH standards. Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS, version 23 was used for data analysis. The majority of the participants were males 99% and their age range was 19-30 years. The study revealed that 83% of small-scale bakeries functioned outside the requirements of the Zimbabwean OSH legislation and regulations by failing to register their operations under the Factories and Works Act Chapter 14:08. OSH management structures were essentially not there and OSH programs implementation was very poor and minimum. Employees were unprotected from several hazards including heat exposure and poor lighting. The findings obtained from the study are not statistically significant. This is shown by the P values (P > | z |) obtained which are all greater than 0.05. In conclusion, several recommendations were made for improved OSH knowledge, attitude, practices and compliance in the small-scale bakery industry. These include, management taking responsibility of the employee’s safety and health through implementation of occupational safety and health programs including OSH training. Employees need to develop a positive attitude towards OSH and implement daily safety practices. The legislators should offer tailor made and considerate interventions for such operations with main thrust on awareness and training promotions to develop and foster the essential knowledge, attitudes as well as positive practices that will result in sustainable OSH compliance in small-scale bakery industry.
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    A strategic plan to develop evangelism through sabbath school small groups. a case study of Cyasemakamba SDA Church in Kibungo Town, Rwanda
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2021-08) Ngerero, Ami Fidele
    The aim of the study was to assess the views of the leaders of Cyasemakamba SDA about the evangelization that uses Sabbath School small groups. Based on the study results, a strategic plan has been proposed to foster evangelism through Sabbath school small groups in Cyasemakamba SDA Church? The study utilized a cross sectional design and mixed approaches of quantitative and qualitative. The participants were the church elders, church committee members, leaders of small groups who responded to the research questionnaire and participated in organized focus group discussion sessions. In total forty-five respondents participated in the survey while three focus group discussion were held. Concerning knowledge of participants on Sabbath school small group, 44.4% of participants confirmed that they know the traits and qualities that make an effective group leader in a Sabbath school small group format, while 97.6% reported that they have interest in Sabbath school small group in regard to its awareness. The study, upon its findings, has summarized the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Cyasemakamba SDA. There is also a proposed strategic plan which can be implemented to improve the evangelism within the same area.
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    A Strategic Plan to Develop Evangelism Through Sabbath School Small Groups. A Case Study of Cyasemakamba SDA Church in Kibungo Town, Rwanda
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2021-08) Ngerero, Ami Fidele
    The aim of the study was to assess the views of the leaders of Cyasemakamba SDA about the evangelization that uses Sabbath School small groups. Based on the study results, a strategic plan has been proposed to foster evangelism through Sabbath school small groups in Cyasemakamba SDA Church? The study utilized a cross sectional design and mixed approaches of quantitative and qualitative. The participants were the church elders, church committee members, leaders of small groups who responded to the research questionnaire and participated in organized focus group discussion sessions. In total forty-five respondents participated in the survey while three focus group discussion were held. Concerning knowledge of participants on Sabbath school small group, 44.4% of participants confirmed that they know the traits and qualities that make an effective group leader in a Sabbath school small group format, while 97.6% reported that they have interest in Sabbath school small group in regard to its awareness. The study, upon its findings, has summarized the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Cyasemakamba SDA. There is also a proposed strategic plan which can be implemented to improve the evangelism within the same area.
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    A study on the internal control systems of Kwadaso Seventh-day Adventist hospital
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2017-10) Afriyie, Emmanuel Owusu
    Internal control system is a topical issue following fraudulent financial reporting and accounting scandals. A proactive preventive approach to the problem requires a critical evaluation of existing internal control structures in organizations. The study sought to study the control systems of Kwadaso Seventh-day Adventist Hospital with the objective of measuring the adequacy of such controls in preventing fraud and unintentional mistakes and also to assess the commitment of management to ensure that those controls work effectively. A sample of one hundred (100) respondents was chosen. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, interviewing and interaction with management of the institution and official documents based on availability and accessibility. The data obtained were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that internal controls exist in the Hospital through code of conducts, policies and procedures and segregation of duties. It was also shows that the controls are adequate in preventing and detecting fraud and that the management are committed to ensuring that the internal controls work effectively and have put in place mechanisms for mitigation of critical risk that may result from fraud. However, the controls should be reviewed on regular basis to match with the dynamics of the environment.
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    Accounting and Financial Management Internal Control and Application Plan in Selected NGOs in Lomé, Togo
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2017-06) Kokou Bagna
    The revelation of enormous financial scandals about firms, charities organizations or NGOs (Non-Government Organizations), including issues such as fraud, were related to accounting and financial management internal control. This research paper sought to access the accounting and financial internal control and their application in selected NGOs in Lomé, Togo. The study was guided by the following questions: what are the principles underlying effective internal controls system that are practiced in the selected NGOs? What challenges are selected NGOs confronted with when applying effective internal controls in the operations? What steps are needed to build effective internal control in selected NGOs in Togo? The quantitative descriptive study method was used to collect and analyze data. Self administrated questionnaire was the main instrument for collecting primary data. Questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The major findings of this study revealed that a majority (71%) of respondents did not have an accounting and financial manual. The findings revealed challenges and the results of this study suggested that following steps such as monitoring, self auditing and periodical review of accounting manuals may help to build an effective accounting and financial internal control.
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    An action plan to foster adequate preparation for retirement for Seventh-Day Adventist employees of West Cameroon Conference
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-03) Ndoumbe, Guillaume Calvin
    Retirement is an inevitable stage in the lives of workers. It is a transition from the world of work into a world of less rigorous activity and more rest and recreation, especially if retirement is due to old age or long years of service. Adequate preparation for retirement is a great challenge for workers and management in organizations. Many persons in the world, including church workers, are dealing with this problem daily. This study assessed the preparations of current employees towards their future retirement and proposed an action plan that would promote adequate preparation for retirement in the West Cameroon Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist for employees. The research was conducted using simple descriptive statistics. The population in this study was 384 including pastors, teachers and medical personnel of Adventist West Cameroon conference. Data were gathered through questionnaires,which were administered to the latter by the researcher. The results are based on data collected from 105 respondents. The study findings revealed that most Adventist workers do not adequately prepare for retirement. In particular, the study indicates that the workers have not even really stopped to think about their retirement years. This is shown in the level of “undecided” answers through the survey. Most importantly, employees are not prepared financially. In relation to this, the workers do not seem to realize that their employers do have a role to play in that situation. They were vaguely aware of what should and could be done by their employing organization. The study recommends an action plan that Seventh-day Adventist organizations, especially West Cameroon Conference, can use to encourage workers to adequately prepare for a better retirement.
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    An analysis of parental nurture of children’s spirituality in selected churches of the Kabulonga Mission District, Woodlands Conference, Lusaka, Zambia
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2020-12) Mulendema, Hamilton
    The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of parental concern for the spirituality of their children in the missionary district of Kabulonga at the Woodlands Conference, Lusaka, Zambia. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for the study. The population consisted of local church parents and the sample was drawn from 4 churches at the Woodlands conference in Lusaka, Zambia. A total of 274 people were invited to participate in the study. The instrument of the study was a self-developed questionnaire, which was completed by e-mail within 1 month. A total of 127 questionnaires were received. The findings revealed that the parents strive to nurture their children’s spirituality but is still room for improvement (mean = 3.71, standard deviation = 1.07). The highest score is about teaching the children how to read God’s word, (mean = 4.14 and standard deviation = 0.92). It is closely followed by the teaching about how to pray before meals (mean = 4.13 and standard deviation = 1.07). An area of concern is the low level of teaching regarding how to pray during worship at home (mean = 2.84; standard deviation = 1.17). The aggregate score also indicates that the parents have a high level of nurturing for the level of informal nurturing. The highest score was during recreational activities, during play time (mean = 3.94; standard deviation = 1.17). The area with the lowest score was about the children hearing adult conversation centering on religious matters (mean = 3.57; standard deviation = 1.15). However, the findings indicated that both forms of nurturing do not reach a mean of 4.50 (very high level of nurturing). Regarding the second research question, the results showed that there is no significant difference in parenting activities according to their demographic variables: a) gender, b) age, c) level of education, and d) marital status. It follows from this study that none of these factors give parents an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to nurturing the spirituality of their children. The recommendations made were to prepare parents to be better equipped to care for the spiritual needs of their children. Those responsible for the trainings would be the Conference, Field, as well as the local church leaders in Family Life and Children Ministries departments.
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    The application of the Leadership of Nehemiah in the rehabilitation of the mother Church to improve the performance of the Marovoay District
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-08-02) Rabenarivo, Jim Hervé
    For a district pastor, the mission is to make his district more spiritually powerful. This is possible if the district manages to find the priority problem and then finds its resolution which will involves the resolution of all the other problems. It was a qualitative study at the Marovoay district level (Indian Ocean Union Missions), including the elders, members and non-Adventists. The study felt that the priority problem is the out datedness of the mother Church. The most relevant strategy to cure it is the extension and the rehabilitation of this Church with the participation of all the churches and all the members of the Marovoay district without waiting for assistance come from outside. Once established the project will run for 8 months with 6 months of preparation and 2 months of actual work of rehabilitation. One applied the leadership principles of Nehemiah. A study on evaluation will be conducted, comparing the spirituality of the members before and after the rehabilitation. Before starting the project, only 30% of the church members were satisfied with the worship. Four months later, the satisfaction of project significantly rose to 70% on the statistics. The impact could not be measured due to shortness of time; however from the direct results obtained the church elders justified the increase in tithe. Meanwhile, the non Adventist members were astonished and this caused them to become Seventh-day Adventist church members.
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    Ascertaining the effect of church members’ participation in church on church growth in selected church congregations in Western Uganda Field
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2022-05) Rusoke Richard
    This research project sought to ascertain the effect of church members’ participation on church growth in Western Uganda. The main objectives related to finding out the effect of the leadership role, community service, financial support of church members towards church growth. According to Shanahan (2019) theology of growth is knowing that God blesses His Church by adding onto its membership and finances and expands this growth by increasing more opportunities as blessings to those who actively participate in its activities. Literature suggests that God is the initiator of church growth right from Genesis 1:1. He commissioned his disciples and apostles to participate in church work and grow the church. God expects every believer who accepts salvation to get involved and participate in church growth activities hence conducting this research in Western Uganda. Hardaway (1982) points out that the church is a group of people and this group is made up of members who stay close to one another so that it is possible for them to be involved actively in activities of the church. The study employed qualitative research methods. The population was 1080 regular church members from congregations in Western Uganda i.e Kagote, Kasiina, Kagadi, Kikwite and Masindi Churches. A sample of 250 was drawn using purposive sampling to identify regular church members. From each of this church 50 respondents were further randomly selected. Questionnaires were issued and oral questionnaires given to those who were not able to read or write. Data was collected, cleaned, coded and entered and analyzed with SPSS. The findings indicated that the participation of church members in church activities like Sabbath attendance, outward show of church attendance by church members in church services every Sabbath is not correlated with church growth in Western Uganda. The participation in activities in this study revealed that they do not translate into important church developmental projects and eventual church growth because of spirituality, leadership, management issues. Thus, there is room for improvement if the leadership put into consideration the findings and suggestions of this study.
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    Assessing factors affecting marital satisfaction in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church: Case study of selected Churches in Mwanza, Tanzania
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-05) Mlozi, Beatus G
    The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting marital satisfaction in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mwanza, Tanzania. This objective was achieved by using a survey research design with a questionnaire composed of 95 questions. The questionnaires were distributed to 270 people and 155 respondents filled and returned the forms. This makes a retrieval rate 62%. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20, to answer the three research objectives. The analytical tools were percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Coefficients. The findings indicated that the majority of marriages studied were in bad condition. The first objective shows the mean average of 4.5 which reveals that the respondents are concerned to have marital satisfaction. In the second objective which had thirteen factors, which had a mean score of 3.7, an indication that marriages need improvement as they seemed not to be sure of their satisfaction in spirituality, communication, and sex life, among other areas. The third objective results showed that the majority agreed there is a great need to improve the state of affairs in order for spouses to be satisfied in their marriage. The alternative hypothesis was accepted—there is a strong relationship between marital satisfaction and spirituality. In the end, it is recommended that families invest in spirituality as it directly relates to their marital satisfaction. Finally, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is advised to increase both pre-marital and marital seminars to remedy the current situation.
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    Assessing internal control effectiveness in selected organizations in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2023-10) Tsiriniaina Rakotonirina Andrianarimanana
    The present research centered on an exhaustive evaluation of internal controls within specific entities affiliated with the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The primary objective was to pinpoint areas needing improvement, thereby ensuring alignment with the foundational mission and objectives of the affiliated institutions. Grounded in the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework, this study covered the key domains of Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, Monitoring Activities, and the integral aspect of Frequency of Control. The methodology employed was quantitative, relying on an adapted questionnaire for data collection. This instrument was informed by the COSO (2013) framework and was adapted from the "ICE Control Environment Questionnaire". Data were collected from fifteen selected entities, namely the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, the SIDMEDIA institution, twelve unions, and one attached field. A diverse group of 136 participants, spanning roles from officers to finance secretaries, provided valuable insights. While 'Table 20' offers a range of actionable strategies, the study emphasizes the recommended measures to enhance the efficiency of internal controls. Key recommendations include the establishment of robust reporting systems, the creation of specialized training modules, and a revisiting and potential revamping of prevailing policies. This research underscores the paramount importance of robust internal controls, highlighting their role in bolstering transparency, fostering accountability, and elevating overall organizational efficiency within religious institutions.
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    Assessing the Effectiveness of SunPlus Usage within the Two Union Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists in Ghana
    (Adventist University of Africa, 2017-05) Boakye, Seth
    Accounting Information Systems, as we know them today have passed through one evolution to another. Organizations can’t compete effectively if their information technology systems don’t have the power or flexibility to perform essential functions. Information technology is being recommended to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana to link the church and its activity for the purpose of creating a synergy that will lead to a high performance in all its activities and financial contribution. Infor SunSystems is a powerful financial accounting software that streamlines an organization’s financial processes. Sunplus, a subset of SunSystems and the project of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was introduced in Ghana in 2006 to boost the financial systems of Conferences, Schools, Hospitals, and other related institutions of the church. However, no one has examined the effectiveness and value of SunPlus through an empirical study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine effectiveness of SunPlus usage in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana and possibly recommend how to further improve the system. The study was descriptive research that used a survey, interviews and questionnaires administered to respondents. The study found that the use of SunSystems has been effective with some few challenges. Respondents also suggested possible ways of improving the system for better use in the future. In view of the findings, the researcher recommended that constant training, seminars, workshops, Yammer, more IT personnel, and internet services should be provided for users to enhance their work.
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    Assessment of exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practices among post-natal mothers attending Ashaiman Polyclinic in the greater Accra region of Ghana
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-04) Ofosuhene, Frank
    It is expected that every country promotes, protects and supports breastfeeding program for infants and the mother’s health (WHO 1990). This study was designed to assess the knowledge and the extent to which breastfeeding was practiced among postnatal mothers who accessed Ashaiman Polyclinic in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study utilized a survey as a research design by employing structured questionnaire as data collection technique. A sample size of 422 breastfeeding mothers whose children were less than two years old was used for the study. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). The results were presented in frequency, percentages and inferences were made using a paired sample test. The significant values were computed to check for the relationship between the participants’ knowledge and the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and the P-value was set at 0.05.The exclusive breastfeeding rate according to WHOs recommendation was found to be 71%. Although there were considerably variations in the exclusive breastfeeding duration, the mothers generally had good knowledge (98%) and practices (96%) regarding exclusive breastfeeding.
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    An assessment of internal control systems of selected Seventh - Day Adventist secondary schools in Zimbabwe
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2017-05) Sithole, Patience
    The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of internal control systems existing in selected Seventh-day Adventist secondary schools in Zimbabwe. The study was necessitated by the desire to have effective internal control systems in the institutions to prevent and reduce the occurrence of wrong practices, mismanagement of resources and accounting errors being experienced in the institutions despite the awareness to all institutions by the Zimbabwe Union Conference on the benefits of effective internal controls. Quantitative cross-sectional and causal study designs were used in collecting data from a sample of four Adventist schools in Zimbabwe selected using the conveniencesampling method due to their proximity and accessibility to the researcher. A sample size of 103 respondents from the schools was selected using the stratified random sampling to ensure representation of all the stakeholder groups targeted in the schools. Data was collected using a researcher-constructed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistical (multi regression and correlations) techniques computed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS 20). The findings of the study revealed that internal control systems exist in the Adventist schools but are not effective, thus leaving room for improvement in order to achieve the objectives. The results have also shown that the institutions are performing in the range of average, with fees collection shown as their greatest challenge. Furthermore, the findings revealed that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between internal control components and institution performance with control activities component being a strong predictor of institutional performance. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that the school authorities strengthen their internal control components in order to achieve internal control effectiveness and enhance performance. This can be accomplished through the establishment of an effective control environment, establishment of committees responsible for risk assessment and monitoring committees, establishment of a whistle blowing policy, and internal control manuals for continuity in the event of the hiring of new employees. It was also recommended that management improve communication and information through clear lines of communications and regular reporting to stakeholders. To enhance performance, management should strengthen their fees collection policies.
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    Causes of marital conflict and divorce among Adventist couples in Cape Coast, Ghana
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2015-01) Kusi-Acheampong, Solomon
    Marital conflicts, separations and divorce are fast growing phenomena in the Cape coast district and its environments. It is an undisputable fact that a solution should be found for this problem in the society. This study therefore aimed at designing, implementing and evaluating an educational strategy to reduce these marital conflict that result in divorce to the barest minimum. After an intensive literature review which embodied the study of the bible, the Spirit of prophecy books and other relevant materials, a program was designed and implemented in the Cape Cost district which included: a weekly reading of marriage passages from the book Adventist Home by selected families. Furthermore, during Sunday bible studies program in the church, the book Encounter with Marriage Truth was read. Monthly meetings for a “Family Life Week of Prayer” for a period of six months were held, and an intensive Pastoral visitation to the selected respondents. It was based on these educational activities that the program was assessed.The implementation of the program attracted non Adventists, especially Adventist whose parents were non Adventist. Most local churches had their premises filled to the capacity during the program. Some of the participants gave their lives to Christ and got baptized. The confessions and pronouncements made by some attendees, and the reduction in conflicts, separations and divorce during and after the program indicated that the messages had deep impact on the participants. Moreover, the relationship between the district pastors and the church members was improved tremendously. It was observed after the program implementation that many church members were half baked in matters of marriage, hence the numerous marital problems. The researcher recommended that a bible study guide on marriage be prepared for the churches. It was also suggested that both the programs Christian Home marriage week and Family Togetherness week programs continue in the various churches.
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    Challenges affecting the growth of Seventh-day Adventist healthcare institutions in North-East Congo Union Mission
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2018-04) Habiyambere, Ngayaboshya Eraston
    Healthcare service is one of the main methods of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to draw people to Jesus Christ as ultimate mission. To do so, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) health facility must effectively and efficiently deliver healthcare through its operations. However, the Adventist healthcare institutions in North-East Congo Union Mission (NECUM) are confronted with several challenges that have affected their performance over many years. The purpose of this study was to identify major challenges affecting the growth of healthcare and to find solutions that could minimize that challenges. Based on research questions, descriptive study was used for describing the Adventist Healthcare Institutions (AHCIs) state. Descriptive survey strategy has been useful for data collection, analyzing data, and reporting results. Questionnaire method was developed to be the major instrument for data collection, with a supported interview method. Sixty-three (63) questionnaires from respondents were received out of sixty-eight (68) distributed to participants.Findings from the study revealed that leadership, workforce, and financial factors are all sources of challenges affecting the progressive growth of the health facilities. These challenges can affect quality healthcare service which is part of the SDA identity and strategy for evangelism. As solutions, the church leadership and healthcare institution managers should work on these discovered challenges in order to turn the situation around.
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    Challenges of change leadership in the central Malawi field of Seventh-day Adventist church: The case of Central Malawi Field dealings with Mlodza church
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2013-07) Matekenya, Dennis John Rabson
    Between 2001 and 2003, the Central Malawi Field (CMF) of Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church experienced some challenges with Mlodza Church concerning women preaching. Disagreements that followed between CMF and Mlodza Church prompted CMF to sever communication with Mlodza Church. A study was conducted in order to establish how the CMF handled the change process through personal interviews, review of archival document contents like minutes and letters of CMF and Mlodza Church and administering close-ended questionnaire to 100 respondents distributed equally between workers at CMF, Mlodza Church members, Lilongwe City pastors, church elders and women leaders. The data was analyzed using excel spreadsheet. The findings show that the CMF mishandled the change processes. It also revealed lack of change leadership skills on the part of CMF officers and that there was lack of effective change guidelines to assist the CMF in dealing with change processes. The LIFE change model was developed as a possible guideline for change leadership. The model has four components which form guidelines for change in the Church: learning, initiating, facilitating and entrenching. The study recommends that pastors and local leaders need to receive orientation in change management, that the training of pastors at Malawi Adventist University should include courses on leadership and change management to ensure that would-be pastors have knowledge of handling change processes in the church.
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    Classroom integration of faith and learning at selected Adventist Schools in Copperbelt, Midland and Luapula Conferences of Northern Zambia Union Conference
    (Adventist University of Africa, School of Postgraduate Studies, 2019-04) Soko, Jonah
    The study was on class Integration of Faith and Learning (IFL) practices at Mupapa Adventist Academy (MAA), Kabwe Adventist Secondary (KAS) and Chimpempe Adventist Mission Secondary Schools (CMSS) of the Northern Zambia Union Conference. It was observed that there was a weak emphasis on the Integration of Faith and Learning practice in the classes, but not much was known apart from that. The purpose of the study was therefore to explore the extent to which the IFL was being practiced in the classroom and the factors that are associated with the practice. The study used a descriptive design. Data was collected from 60 teachers from both the primary and secondary sectors. The instrument was a self-designed questionnaire that inquired, apart from the demographic variables (age, years of teaching, academic qualification, religious affiliation and sector of employment), about the level of IFL practice of the teachers, and whether they were trained in IFL teaching. The whole population was chosen for the three schools, that is, 65 teachers. The schools involved were MAA and KAS of the Copperbelt and Midlands Conference respectively and then CMSS of Luapula Conference in Northern Zambia Union Conference in the Luapula Province. Only 60 questionnaires were returned. The data was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics—frequency distribution, simple correlation and t-test for independent samples. The study showed that the majority of the respondents were male (58%), and are more than 30 years old (70 %). 82% of the respondents had between 0-15 years of teaching experience, 53% have an undergraduate degree or above and 47% have either a certificate or a diploma. Seventy-five percent of the participants were baptized Seventh-day Adventists, 53% teach in secondary schools and 47% teach in primary schools. A crosstab analysis revealed that 64% of the primary school teachers are females and 78% of the secondary school teachers are males. The latter also hold an undergraduate degree and above, whereas their female counterparts hold either a diploma or a certificate. The findings revealed that the respondents did practice Integration of Faith and Learning mainly in the form of praying, reading the Bible in class and using the Bible as a textbook for all subjects. “Praying” scored a slightly higher mean than the other three forms. Use of the Bible during the lesson presentation rated second and reading the Bible during class came in third position. The overall score indicated a mean of 3.3, with a standard deviation of 1.21. The analysis also examined if there was a significant difference in the practice of Integration of Faith and Learning based on the demographic variables. In order to answer this question, a mean comparison using t-test was done. The findings indicated that female teachers seem to practice more Integration of Faith and Learning than their male counterparts. For the demographic variable “age” the finding indicated no significant difference. Also there were no significant difference in the practice of IFL based on years of teaching, and religious affiliation. However, for the last two variables: academic qualifications and sector there was a significant difference. Those who have certificates and diplomas and who are in the primary school sector practice seem to practice more Integration of Faith and Learning than those who have first degrees and above and who work in the secondary school sector. Further analysis was done to find if there is a relationship between the level of spirituality of the respondents and their level of practice of Integration of Faith and Learning in the classroom. The study revealed that the teachers had a fairly high level of spirituality. The correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the level of spirituality and the level of practice in the classroom. Nevertheless it was found that in the secondary sector, even if the teachers seems to have a high level of spirituality, they do not practice IFL that much in the classroom. This finding seems to suggest that there are other factors that can affect the actual practice of IFL. Finally, an analysis was done to see if there was a significant difference in the practice of Integration of Faith and Learning based on the attendance to the training and orientation seminars on IFL. Using independent samples T-test, the results showed that there was a significant difference between the practices based on the training and orientation received by the participants. Those who have attended the seminar on IFL and obtained an orientation on how to integrate faith and learning during the lessons as well as during the social games tend to practice it more than those who had not obtained the training. Based on the findings four major recommendations were made. First, the teachers of the Primary schools who happen to the mostly female teachers should be encouraged to keep up IFL practices, while the secondary school teachers need to be encouraged to do so. Second, given the fact that those who got the training tend to practice it more in the classrooms, the school administrators need to ensure that all the teachers get an opportunity to attend training seminars on ILF. Third, the use of the Bible during lesson presentation be encouraged further. Fourth, the teachers should be encouraged to nurture their level of spirituality as this will drive them to practice their faith more in the classroom.