current project

Myanmar Evangelical Graduate School of Theology,
Rangoon, Burma

Student & Faculty Apartments

MEGST was founded in 1996 by the Myanmar Evangelical Fellowship. From the early days Overseas Council New Zealand has been crucial in its development. OCA has recently been assisting with student support and other projects.

The college purchases apartments on the 5th–8th floors because they are so much cheaper than lower down – no elevators makes a big difference to the price on the higher levels!

The importance of MEGST can be seen against the background of the need to build theological capacity within each country. There was an enormous problem of Christian leaders leaving Burma to get masters degrees but then not returning. MEGST provides quality education for MDiv level study, and in the future hopes to provide MTh level research degrees. This is a viable alternative for many who are now more likely to stay in the country and minister.

The college owns ten contiguous apartments in one block which forms the basis of the college with library, lecture rooms, chapel and administration all housed together. They also have acquired twelve (small two-bedroom) apartments which house one faculty family each or eight or nine students. The current student body of 70 and faculty of seven full-time is expanding with five more faculty coming. With a very high demand for entrance to the college the student numbers will build to nearly 100 in the next three years.

To assist the college’s expansion OCA has recently assisted the purchase of two apartments and are seeking to provide for three more. The rent saved on each one covers the cost of a faculty member! Currently prices are low and so they represent a very good investment for the kingdom and will provide for the future development of the college.

In the future, the college may sell all its property preferring a purpose built campus. Any assets they acquire now will assist in the future development. Prices are low at the moment so it is an ideal time to help not only the present needs of the college as it expands, but also provide for the future.

The Political Situation

The military junta calls the country ‘Myanmar’. They have been ruling since 1989 following elections they disallowed. Economic sanctions are in place by the USA and EU. This has placed a great burden on the general population.

The government actively promotes the cause of Buddhism and has numerous restrictions on the church and bible colleges.

The banking system in Burma is not ‘normal’ so donors are encouraged to discuss the implications of this with the OCA Executive Director.

The Financial Need

OCA is seeking to help expand the student capacity of MEGST and so wishes to help with purchasing one more apartments. (OCA has recently funded four apartments.)

Each purchase will save about AU$ 1,500 in rent – about the cost of a faculty member’s salary!

Each two bedroom apartment costs: AU$ 30,000.