Accessible and Inclusive Theological Education for Latin America and the (TELAC)

Access to accredited theological education is increasingly difficult for church and community leaders due to limited number of accredited institutions in the region, lack of funds and travel limitations due to job and family. Since 1996 UBL has offered accredited theological education for students for all of Latin America and the Caribbean through distance and residence programs. With increasing government restrictions, travel limitations, downturn in economics worldwide, new and more accessible means of achieving a university degree are needed. UBL has responded to this need by launching online programs, adapting scholarships and training faculty for online teaching modalities. Online education requires high quality pedagogical materials to be available in digital formats. Because UBL’s mission is directed to marginalized social groups (Afro, Caribbean, indigenous, women, and socially underprivileged) the university’s plan is developing strategies to provide better access to online degree programs for students in the region. This would include localized access points and facilitators through agreements with institutions, churches and other groups in Latin America and the Caribbean to support UBL students in those countries.