Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Women in the South

The Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Women in the South (French and Spanish version) was established in 2001 and has proven to be a very effective way to encourage member churches to accept women in the ordained ministry.

The main purpose of the scholarship fund is to increase the number of women in the ordained ministry and to enable women from a wide network of Reformed churches in the South to build their capacity for effective partnership in God’s mission.

The Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Women in the South provides for first degree or diploma studies which are done at a seminary or college in the home country or region of scholarship awardees.

From 2002-2006, forty-two women from Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guyana, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda and Venezuela have received awards from the fund and are being prepared for the ordained ministry.

Guidelines for the Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Women in the South seeking a First Degree/Diploma in Theology in their home country or region

1. Scholarships are to be available to women of any age pursuing a first degree/diploma in theology (Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor of Divinity) towards ordained ministry.

2. Scholarships are to provide opportunities for studies within the home country or region.

3. Priority will be given to member churches with a low number of ordained women in the church.

4. Applicants must provide detailed statement of need, other funding sources, and information on institution/place of study.

5. Applicants must provide a budget: tuition fee, food and lodging, travel, books and other necessities.

6. Applicants must specify the period of studies.

7. The scholarship support is based upon need and covers partial or full costs.

8. Scholarships are granted on a year-to-year basis where continuation of support will depend upon performance of candidate. The scholarship holder is required to send academic reports annually to WARC.

9. Consideration will be given to support the family at home, if necess

ary. Vacation trips home at the end of the academic year may be also taken into account.

10. Applications must be accompanied by an endorsement letter from the applicant’s church (WARC member church) and one personal reference letter.

11. 20% of the fund will be invested for further development of the Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Women in the South.

12. Scholarships are not to exceed 80% of available funds.

13. Selection of the applicants shall be decided by the General Secretary, Executive Secretary of the Department of Partnership of Women and Men; the Moderator of the Department of Partnership of Women and Men and one additional member of the Department of Partnership of Women and Men.

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