The Zimbabwe East Union Conference hosted 400 educators at its annual Teachers' Convention in Francistown, Botswana, under the theme "Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures." SID Education Director Dr. Felix Njini and ZEUC President Dr. Godfrey Musara challenged teachers to place Christ at the centre of their work, describing schools as "centres of mission." The convention closed with two pre-Adventist teachers committing their lives to Christ for baptism.
The Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC) has concluded its annual Teachers’ Convention, bringing together 400 educators from across its territory for a week of spiritual renewal and professional development.
Held from 5 to 11 April 2026 at Eastern Gate Academy in Francistown, the convention ran under the theme “Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures.”
The gathering attracted teachers, education leaders, and church administrators, with presentations focusing on faith-based education, innovation, and institutional growth.
The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) Education Director, Dr. Felix Njini, challenged educators to centre their work on spiritual foundations, citing that it is the bedrock of the entire Adventist education philosophy.
“Our education ethos centres on educating the heart, the head and the hand, and of these the heart is our spiritual core and it must lead our education endeavours,” he said.
He added that intellectual excellence should follow a Christ-centred approach, pointing to Jesus as the model teacher. In one of his presentations, Pastor Ladious Chambalama urged teachers to confront internal and external barriers affecting their performance saying they must eject all things that hinder their performance.
“Jettison negativity and remove the limitations that hinder your growth,” he said. He encouraged educators to think beyond classroom instruction, including establishing their own institutions as part of expanding Adventist education.
ZEUC President, Dr. Godfrey Musara emphasised the spiritual mission of the Adventist education during his devotional addresses saying teachers must themselves be transformed if they are going to make a difference in the lives of their students.
“Our teachers must accept Christ’s guidance; they must demonstrate a life of service and knowledge of God so that they can successfully inspire both students and communities,” he said.
He described schools as “centres of mission” that should influence both learners and surrounding communities.
The Zimbabwe East Union Conference education director, Pastor Dennis Munaiwa, who hosted the convention, challenged delegates to apply the lessons in their respective schools.
Teachers who attended the convention described it as impactful and life-changing.
“This convention was an eye-opener; we were so uplifted, have been challenged to go and inspire our students and be role models to them because we are educating them for eternity,” one attendee said.
Another urged colleagues who missed the gathering to prioritise future conventions. As delegates departed Francistown, organisers said the focus remains on strengthening Adventist education through faith, innovation, and continuous professional growth. The convention ended with 2 pre-Adventist teachers giving their lives to Christ for baptism.
