January 2026 - Exciting News from AIU!
January 2026 AIU Newsletter
Equipping Africa’s next generation of spiritual leaders
A strong start to 2026
AIU welcomes freshman class, returning students from across Africa.
Just like that, we are several weeks into the 2026 academic year! We pray the year will be a season of learning, spiritual growth, and ministry preparation for everyone in the AIU community.
Students from across Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique began arriving on campus during the first week of January, including a class of 16 freshman students.
The opening of the academic calendar was marked by a student orientation program and Bible Conference—both aimed at preparing students for life and learning at AIU.
In this season, we are especially thankful for those teach at AIU—both local and international professors whose dedication and commitment to God’s Word continue to shape the lives of future pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders. Their sacrificial service remains vital to fulfilling the mission of AIU.
Would you join us in prayer for a successful and fruitful year? Please pray that our students and staff would continue in good health and grow in wisdom as they seek to serve the Lord.
2026 Bible Coference
AIU’s Bible Conference challenges and equips Christian youth and leaders.
AIU’s 2026 Bible Conference (Jan. 7-9), brought together students, local youth leaders, pastors, and ministry facilitators for three days of spiritual growth, training, and fellowship.
The conference was held in collaboration with CampsAbroad, whose mission is to help local churches reach teens through engaging activities.
The gospel-focused conference was conducted in two phases: first, training counselors and second, ministering to local youth.
“This conference has been spiritually enriching and beneficial not only to our AIU students but also to the youth from the surrounding local churches who attended. Gatherings like this strengthen our faith, promote unity, and develop Christian leadership.”
Participants were challenged to share the gospel within their communities, and several local teens recommitted their lives to Christ. Since most participants were believers, the conference primarily served as a discipleship and leadership training program.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to continue hosting Bible camps in churches and to organize campus-based camps during holidays, using interactive events to create opportunities for more people to encounter Christ.
We are so grateful to God for the success of the 2026 Bible Conference. Thank you for praying for us as we equip leaders and reach our community.
NEw Bibles for a New Year
Entire freshman class receives study bibles as they begin AIU journey.
We thank God that our students arrived on campus safely in January, ready to begin a new season of growth as we start the 2026 academic year. This year, we welcomed 16 new students onto campus as the 2026 freshman class.
These students were gifted Global Study Bibles by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Sandwell Zgambo. The students were excited to receive these bibles, which include a variety of study aids and tools to support their study of God’s Word.
“This is just the beginning of our journey at AIU. We commit ourselves to using these Bibles diligently, studying carefully, and allowing God’s Word to shape our lives. We hope to carry the lessons we learn here into our communities, sharing God’s love with others and living as testimonies of His truth.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Zgambo charged the students to study the Word diligently and to be responsible stewards of the bibles, which are a resource for their academic journey at AIU and beyond.
It is inspiring to witness the Lord already at work in the lives of our students, particularly the freshmen. Please pray with us that all of our students will grow spiritually, use their blessings to share the gospel, and continue walking closely with Christ.
Pray also for our freshmen, as they adjust to campus life and pursue their study of God’s Word.
Daycare Ministry
More children means more opportunities to love and teach at AIU’s daycare.
The daycare ministry at AIU continues to grow as it serves both the campus community and neighboring villages. The program provides young children with essential early education, helping to build a strong foundation for their academic, social, and spiritual development.
The daycare resumed operations for the new year, with a total of 21 children currently enrolled in the baby class (4), middle class (6), grade one (5), grade two (5), and grade three (1). With the increasing number of young children on campus and in nearby villages, enrollment is expected to continue growing.
Operating on a nonprofit basis, the daycare covers the cost of teachers, leaving only the cost of daily supplies for parents to cover. In rural Zambia, opportunities for quality early education are limited, making this program a valuable resource for families.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to teach at this daycare. Seeing the children grow academically, socially, and spiritually is a blessing, and I am grateful to be part of a program that nurtures their development in such a holistic way.”
Many children from surrounding villages have already joined, with more eager to enroll. The ministry aims to equip children academically and spiritually from an early age. Central to the curriculum is the teaching of God’s Word, creating an environment that fosters both spiritual and intellectual growth.
The daycare also features a playground, where children engage in physical activity, develop social skills, and learn the value of community as they interact and play together.
Thank you for praying for and supporting this vital ministry at AIU. Would you join us in praying for God’s continued provision and blessing and the daycare expands to impact even more children?
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
KELVIN MWANZA
AIU Driver
A 2020 graduate of AIU, Kelvin officially came on staff in November 2025. He is from New Kasama, Lusaka, and has served within the AIU community for many years in various capacities, including the garden and poultry departments under the work-scholarship program.
He has also actively participated in campus ministry through his involvement in the praise team and outreach programs in local churches, schools, and clinics.
Currently, Kelvin serves as a driver at AIU. He is responsible for transporting children to and from The Esther School, ensuring their safe passage each day.
“To the pupils I serve, I am not just a driver, but someone they can look up to... I believe that spiritual influence has no age limit, and it is important to intentionally create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work in the hearts and minds of young people. Through my role, I can support the smooth running of the university by helping staff and students with young children focus on their responsibilities without the stress of transportation and safety concerns.”
Through his service, Kelvin has learned the value of putting others first and recognizes how God uses everyday responsibilities to shape character. He desires to see more children come to Christ and to help raise up a generation of strong Christians.
Kelvin is married to Mumba Naomi, and they are blessed with a son, Seth (age 2). Please pray that he would continue to trust God for his family’s strength. Pray also for physical recovery for his wife’s parents, who have not been well.
STudent SPOTLIGHT
PENIAS PHIRI
Sophomore
Penias came to AIU from Kasenengwa District in Eastern Province, Zambia. Raised as the second of seven children in a Christian home, he received a strong foundation that later shaped his faith journey.
Six years ago, Penias first chose to follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. During a Sunday church service, his pastor preached a message that spoke directly to areas of his life, including disobedience and conflict. The sermon clearly presented the gospel of salvation, emphasizing that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will receive eternal life (John 3:16).
Convicted by the Word of God, Penias’ life was completely changed as he placed his faith in Christ.
“Since joining AIU, I have greatly benefited from both academic and spiritual training. Through various courses, I am learning how to live a true Christian life, gaining a deeper understanding of why the Bible was written, and discovering its importance to humanity. I have also been equipped with evangelism skills—learning how to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with unbelievers while strengthening and edifying fellow believers.”
After graduation, Penias plans to use his training to serve others, whether in schools or churches, teaching and spreading the truth of God’s Word to future generations.
Thank you for your generous giving and prayers, which make it possible for young men like Penias to be equipped for faithful ministry, both now and in the years to come. Your support not only blesses AIU students, but in turn has a tremendous impact on local communities who are touched by their ministry.
