By Matters India Reporter
London, Nov 3, 2019: Catherine of Siena College attached to the London-based University of Roehampton says it has special grants for Asians who want to study its new three short term courses.
The college has “many bursaries for Asian students and we will be delighted to reach new interested people” for the six-week courses starting from November 11, says a message from Anna Cantelmi, the colleges assistant director.
The courses offered are “Gender and Social Justice: African Theological Perspectives;” “Changing Church: Understanding Church Practices;” and “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Theology, Ethics and Sustainable Development.”
Those interested are asked to enroll via the University of Roehampton e-store link.
Indian theologian Astrid Lobo Gajiwala, a former student now on the college’s advisory board, says the courses are conducted by professionals, and are validated by Roehampton University.
“Generous scholarships are available for Asian students. There is no limit to the courses one can do, but to be eligible for a second scholarship candidates must have successfully completed the first course,” Gajiwala told Matters India on November 3.
What she likes about the courses is that they provide a global perspective. “They enable interaction in online classrooms that offer diversity of culture, gender, academic background, ecclesiastical status, ecumenical calling, personal backgrounds and levels of theological training. Students come together on a topic of common concern and the discussions are very enriching.”
The courses cater to people with curiosity and passion for the subject, Gajiwala says. They can be done at one’s convenience and there is no age limit.
“Many retired people do the courses along with people who are house bound, seminarians, pastors, college students.The only eligibility requirements are a good command of English, basic IT skills and access to internet,” she added.
Gajiwala says she has tried to convince religious congregations to encourage their sisters to do the courses as a group in their convents. “We are also exploring with the Jesuits, the possibility of developing a credit program for their students, and new courses from the Indian context, with Jesuit professors,” she added.
Successful students receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development from the University of Roehampton.
Catherine of Siena College was established in 2007 by an international group of theologians with the aim of offering online courses to support those working for gender justice around the world.
The college takes its name from the 14th century Christian mystic, Catherine of Siena. Born in Italy in 1347, she defied the conventions of her day through her theological writing and political activism.
The saint wrote letters to bishops and popes urging an end to ecclesial schism, and her “Dialogue” is considered one of the most impressive theological writings of her time.
In 2015, Catherine of Siena College became part of the University of Roehampton as an independent charitable trust managed by the University.
The college aims to support those seeking to understand how gender impacts individuals and communities in the context of religious faith and practice, and who recognize education’s importance to tackle injustice and bring about change in society.
The college claims its courses use cutting edge academic research and pastoral experience to help students gain insights on topics such as gender studies, religion, theology and integral human development.
It provides educational opportunities with bursaries for women and men who have no access to higher education, “particularly those from the global South.”
The college also encourages dialogue and interaction among students from different cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds, as part of the learning experience.
It fosters ecumenical and interfaith connections through partnerships with churches and religious communities for the purposes of education and awareness-raising on issues relating to gender and social justice.