Cultivating Learning and Partnership Throughout Latin America
By Rachel Coleman , Theological Education Team
From the nine OMS-related seminaries in six countries that make up the Strategic Alliance of Latin American Seminaries ( SALAS ): ¡ Saludos ! ( Greetings !) During phase one of this regional initiative ( 2017 – 2021 ), SALAS emphasized the development and implementation of 10 shared core courses . Thanks to the expertise of the team at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia ( FUSBC ), all 10 courses have now been taught at least once . Students from around the region learned together online , and professors in those seminaries were freed up to offer other courses .
This initiative has been a particular blessing to our Venezuelan and Ecuadorian students . During phase one , the pandemic forced each school into the online learning arena . Through the SALAS project , OMS helped them set up virtual learning platforms and train faculty for this new adventure in theological education .
Phase two of the alliance ( 2022 – 2024 ) began with a regional encounter in Costa Rica , when SALAS seminary leaders from all over Latin America convened for fellowship and growth . This event focused on creative collaboration in two particular areas : faculty and leadership development and recapturing the vibrant Wesleyan heritage of the schools . Two SALAS professors , Ricardo ( Mexico ) and Jaciel ( Caribbean ), are currently enrolled
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