BACKGROUND TO THE RESOLUTIONS  

The Students Christian Organisation of Malawi, SCOM, born forty years ago in the year 1961 , convened in Lilongwe at the Malawi College for Health Sciences from 21^st– 24^th  December 2001 to celebrate its  forty years of existence. The celebrations were under the theme “GOD’S FAITHFULNESS, OUR STRENGTH AND HOPE“ a recognition of the fact that it is because God has been faithful to SCOM  hat SCOM has done   whatever good that it has done and can talk about forty years of existence. 

This time of celebration was also a time to reflect on what SCOM has accomplished in  the  past  forty years as well as where it could have done better and what SCOM ought to  do now. Hence the anniversary included reflections and resolutions.  

It was seen that SCOM has made a lot of contributions to the spiritual, social and economic life of the Nation of Malawi. The contributions have been in several areas  and in many ways. Some of these are as follows: 

1. Character change and Building
2. Human  Capital  and  Leadership
3. Source of Harmony and Unity
4. Social Programs
5. Prophetic  oice
6. Entrepreneurship
7. Reduction of Illiteracy
8. Environmental Conservation
9. Employment
10. Building and Strengthening of the family unit
11. Cultivation  of a hard-working spirit
12. The  growth of  the church/Christianity in  Malawi
13. Fight against AIDS etc

These contributions notwithstanding delegates felt and realised through the workshops and the messages preached that there is more that can and needs to be done.  Hence at this   momentous juncture in the life of SCOM, as SCOM began its ‘life after 40 years’ the following resolutions were passed by SCOM members and the leadership. 

1.     SCOM resolves to continue upholding its five aims, which have brought about positive transformation and impact on its members and the nation at large.

2.       SCOM resolves to build up its human and financial capacities in order to enhance the fulfilment of its aims. 

3.  SCOM resolves to strengthen the discipleship of its members to enhance integrity, character development and   the attainment  of biblical values. 

4.     SCOM resolves to challenge its members to take up a positive role in the socio-economic development of the nation.

5.     SCOM resolves to encourage SCOMAF to enhance its efforts in incorporating as many college and school leavers as possible. 

6.     SCOM  resolves to take an active role in environmental conservation. 

7.     SCOM resolves to enhance its leadership development programmes and sensitise its members on good governance. 

8.     SCOM resolves to have access to and participate in the Malawi’s ‘Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper’ (PRSP). 

9.     SCOM resolves to respond to issues of national interest whenever necessary. 

10. SCOM resolves to be part of the solution in abolishing ethnic, racial and political intolerance by promoting unity amongst Malawians and emphasizing what we have in common.. 

11. SCOM resolves to review its organisational structure in order to make it viable  to the current challenges. 

12. SCOM resolves to enhance its relationships with churches and para - church organisations. 

13. SCOM, being aware of some divisive elements within the Christian community resolves to promote unity of the church in its structures. 

14. SCOM resolves to continue to place emphasis on personal    devotion, Prayer, Bible Study, witnessing and fellowship for the spiritual deepening of its members. 

15. SCOM resolves to take a Biblical and pro-active role in public discussions in all fo0rms of media on issues affecting Christians and society at large.. 

16. SCOM resolves to collaborate with other organisations doing similar work on issues such as HIV/AIDS and corruption. 

17. SCOM resolves to enhance its efforts on HIV/AIDS awareness and response. 

18. SCOM resolves to enhance its pursuit of academic and professional excellence amongst its members and promote quality education in the nation at large. 

These are the 18 resolutions that were passed at the SCOM 40^th Anniversary at Malawi College of Health Sciences on Sunday ,23^rdDecember 2001. Because of ‘God’s Faithfulness, Our Strength and hope’ during SCOM’s past forty years of its existence, these resolutions will manifest into reality by God’s strength and guidance. into His hands we commit them as SCOM’s direction in its ‘life after forty’ in the next decade, 2001 to 2011.

Webmaster : Christopher Banda
E-Mail: cgbanda@poly.sdnp.org.mw