BY TONY IROGA
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has taken a major step towards introducing the country’s first nationally accredited postgraduate qualification in chaplaincy.
The Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) yesterday held a stakeholder consultation on its proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies.
The meeting brought together representatives from churches, government ministries, health services, correctional services, schools, faith-based organisations and community leaders to help shape the new programme, a SINU statement yesterday said.
Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr Patricia Rodie said the proposed diploma is aims to meet the growing demand for qualified chaplains across the country.
“The proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies has been developed in response to the increasing need for qualified chaplains who possess not only theological knowledge but also advanced skills in pastoral care, counselling, clinical practice and psychological support,” Mrs Rodie said.
She said chaplains play an important role in providing spiritual, emotional and psychosocial support in schools, hospitals, prisons, universities and other institutions.
She noted that Solomon Islands currently has no nationally accredited postgraduate programme dedicated to chaplaincy training.
“This consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute their knowledge and experience to ensure the programme is academically rigorous, professionally relevant, culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of Solomon Islands,” she said.
Participants reviewed the proposed curriculum and graduate outcomes through presentations and group discussions. Their feedback will be used to strengthen the programme before it goes through SINU’s academic approval process.
The proposed one-year programme will mainly target practising chaplains but will also be open to professionals in education, nursing, social work, theology and other human service fields.
She also acknowledged the School of Humanities, led by Rev Dr Ben Wate, for developing the programme and organising the consultation.
If approved, the Postgraduate Diploma in Chaplaincy Studies will become the first nationally accredited postgraduate qualification in chaplaincy in Solomon Islands, preparing graduates to serve in churches, schools, hospitals, correctional centres and other community institutions.
Photo credit: SINU
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