Scripture Union of Malawi (SUM)
Scripture Union of Malawi (SUM) is an interdenominational organisation that seeks to nurture children and youth, strengthen family life and help people engage with God through the Bible, so that they may follow Jesus Christ and be instrumental in transforming Malawi.
The vision of SUM is to see children and young people following Jesus, filled with hope, and transforming Malawi.
Working with children, young people and families, in schools and churches, SUM’s main emphasis is in:
- Encouraging Bible-reading through the production of Bible-reading aids and the distribution of Christian Literature
- Youth and Bible Clubs, and Bible Study Groups
- Training for School-leavers
- AIDS Prevention and Education Programmes
- Youth Camps
- Family Ministries
The work of SUM started in Blantyre in 1959, when Ralph Hanger was appointed to Malawi to assist in the setting up of a national movement. In 1966, structures had been put in place and Ralph became the first General Secretary. SUM started in a small way, working in schools in the Blantyre area, but after several years, it had spread north with national headquarters being established in Lilongwe in the mid 1980’s.
Since its inception, SUM has sought to promote and encourage the increase of evangelistic outreach among children and young people, Bible Reading and life-skills work in primary schools, some secondary schools and churches. As a Christian organisation, SUM is concerned with the Christian and spiritual development of children, teenagers and young adults.
With the outbreak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, SUM has been involved in integrating programmes to address HIV/AIDS, life skills and reproductive health education amongst its target cohorts. SUM’s goal in this is to promote reproductive health and reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and HIV by instituting awareness promotion and behaviour change with a view to instituting intervention through Christian and practical life skills capacity buildings.
The National Council oversees SUM’s ministry, which is divided into three regions - Central, Northern and Southern. SUM’s headquarters is in Lilongwe, with regional offices in Mzuzu and Blantyre. There is also a network of local volunteers throughout the country, running weekly clubs in schools and leading camps and crusades during vacation times. The current General Secretary of SUM is Amon Chanika.
Contact Address
PO Box 30255Lilongwe 3
MALAWI
Central Africa T: +265 (0)1 772 545
E: amonchanika@yahoo.com
Country
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