Bukoba Lutheran Institute

Bukoba Lutheran Institute (BLI) is a technical and spiritual training institution owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) - North Western Diocese. It is located in Kanyangereko Ward, Bukoba Rural District, Kagera Region.

The institution was established with the vision of combining technical education with spiritual training to prepare Christian youth who are skilled, disciplined and service-oriented.

Bukoba Lutheran Institute (BLI) was formed through the merger of Ntoma Vocational Center (under VETA), Ruhija School of Music and Ruhija Ntoma Bible School. The proposal was approved by the College Board, presented to the Diocesan Council and officially ratified during the 2021 Synod General Assembly held at Kigarama Parish. The new name Bukoba Lutheran Institute (BLI) was then adopted.

BLI - NTOMA VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
Historical Background

NVTC was officially registered by the government in 2017 under registration number REG/NACTVET/1028, following the success of Ntoma Vocational Centre (NVC) which had been established in 2011 under VETA supervision.
Currently, the Centre offers training at the level one, two and three under NVA.

Goals

To produce competent graduates equipped with knowledge, skills and strong Christian values capable of competing in the labor market.
Achievements

Over 1,200 students have graduated; about 75% have secured employment in both public and private sectors, while others have successfully started their own businesses.

Professional Statement

The institution has highly qualified and experienced instructors with degrees in education and technical fields.

Fee Structure:

Tuition Fee: TSh 900,000/=
Other Contributions: TSh 300,000/=
Foreign Students: USD 1,000 $

BLI - SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Historical Background

The School of Music was established on3rd November 1968 at Ruhija, Ibwera - Kagera Region, under Teacher Martin Broze, with the goal of nurturing musical talents in singing, music theory, collecting and preserving African musical instruments, choir conducting, and playing instruments such as trumpets among Christian youth.

An additional department known as Ruhija Afro Art was formed to train specialists in repairing and maintaining musical instruments-addressing the need for experts who could fix and restore damaged instruments.

Initially, the program began with 10 students, and it is now officially recognized by NACTVET, included in the national curriculum, and its certificates are government-accredited.

Main Objectives

To promote and develop Christian music education by providing training, preparing instructors, creating teaching materials, preserving African musical heritage and encouraging innovation in gospel music.

Specific Objectives

To train Christian musicians capable of teaching and leading music ministries.
To train music instructors.
To create and improve teaching instruments and materials.
To compose and preserve traditional African hymns and instruments.
To develop modern gospel music creatively.
Goal

To produce over 500 professional musicians skilled in musical instruments and singing ministries, many of whom now serve in various churches across Tanzania, along with over 300 evangelists trained in liturgical singing.

Offering Training Programs

Sound Engineering
Music and Tourism.
Theatre.
Video Production.
Digital Content Creation.
Audio Production and Podcasting
Social Media & Digital Marketing.
Live Streaming & Broadcast.
Graphic Design .
Brass Music Instruments.
Drum Set.
Voice Training.
Ear Training.
Violin.
African Music Instruments.

BLI - SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM
Historical Background

The Bible School was founded in 1957 at Ruhija by Rev. Ernest Mutashobya and Crister Mouler after evangelism work officially began in 1910.

After evangelism started, it was discovered that graduates lacked knowledge of church music and hymns; therefore, music education was integrated into Ruhija Bible School.

In January 2020 , the school was relocated from Ruhija to Ntoma to merge with other spiritual and technical programs.

Goals

To prepare servants of God with Christian knowledge and character.
To train evangelists capable of preaching effectively in the modern world.
To enable parishes and dioceses to participate in training evangelistic workers.
Achievements

Some of the notable graduates include:

Rev. Dr. Silvester Kahakwa.
Rev. Wilson Lugakingila (Former Dean of the Diocese).
Rev. Peace Mtoka.
Rev. Ainekisha Bulaya (Secretary of the Women's Department - Bethania ELCT/NWD).
Fee Structure:

Tuition Fee: TSh 900,000/=
Other Contributions: TSh 300,000/=
How to Apply

New students are welcome to join Ntoma Vocational Training Centre - Bukoba in various technical and spiritual programs.

Admission Requirements:

Must have completed Standard Seven, Form Four, or higher.
Must have a calling to learn and serve God.
Must provide a recommendation letter from a pastor or parish leader.
Application Procedure:

Application forms are available at the Ntoma campus offices in Bukoba or can be requested by email:ntomanactvet@yahoo.com
Applicants may also apply through their diocesan or parish offices.
Applications must include copies of certificates, two (2) passport-size photos, and a recommendation letter.
Academic Year:

The first semester begins in January.
Graduate Testimonials

"I acquired skills in cooking and hospitality at Ntoma. I now work in a major hotel in Dar es Salaam. Thank you, Ntoma, for preparing me!" - Glory N., Graduate of Hospitality and Tourism

"When I joined the Bible School, I learned not only to preach but also to live the Word of God. Today, I serve as a pastor with a heart of ministry." - Rev. Ainekisha B., Graduate of Bible School

Welcome Note

"We welcome all who thirst for the Word of God. Evangelism is the heart of the Church, and this heart begins to grow here at Ntoma." - Rev. Phenias Lwakatare (The College Director)

We believe that quality education guided by faith is the foundation of true development.

"Education, Faith and Service - To the Glory of God."