It has recently been my pleasure to visit several of the schools in west Africa. Specifically, most of the ones I have visited have been of the 4 year, or “extended” model. There are a number of benefits to this model.
> It allows a student to keep his job and not face the dilemma of leaving home and family.
> The knowledge gained often makes an immediate impact on the church because many of the students are already preaching for churches.
> While the same curriculum is used and standards are expected, funding is much more manageable.
While we never intend to get away from the 2 year, or “accelerated” school model, the 4 year option is filling a much-needed niche in many places. Enrollment in these schools is now well in excess of 300 worldwide. What I found in my visits we eager students, who were appreciative of the opportunity to to learn and prepare themselves for even greater service in the Kingdom.
Fraternally,
Keith Kasarjian