Mwenge Catholic University (MWECAU) in Tanzania recently welcomed an inspiring and transformative visit from Prof. Sean-Patrick Lovett, a globally respected expert in communication and leadership and the Vice President of CREC International. Held from 29 June to 4 July 2026, the visit marked a significant milestone in advancing collaboration between MWECAU and CREC International, while reinforcing the mission of Catholic education in a rapidly evolving global context.
From the moment of his arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Prof. Lovett’s visit set a tone of purpose and partnership. A strategic meeting with the University’s management team laid the foundation for future collaboration. This forward-looking initiative reflects a shared commitment to equipping future leaders with the skills to communicate effectively and ethically in today’s media-driven world.
Throughout the week, Prof. Lovett engaged a wide spectrum of the Catholic education community through a series of dynamic and impactful training sessions. At the university level, over 50 senior academic and administrative leaders participated in a leadership workshop focused on Communicating Catholic Identity in Leadership. The session emphasised the importance of values-based leadership, encouraging participants to integrate faith, integrity, and professionalism in their institutional roles.
The engagement extended powerfully to student leaders, with more than 200 participants attending an interactive session on leadership, communication, and safeguarding. Drawing from both global insights and local realities, Prof. Lovett inspired students to become responsible leaders and advocates for ethical communication within their communities.
Beyond the university, the visit reached clergy and Catholic education professionals across the region. At the Priest Centre in Longuo, 49 seminarians from Arusha Archdiocese and the dioceses of Moshi, Mbulu and Same, together with 16 newly ordained priests from the Catholic Diocese of Moshi, engaged in critical discussions on safeguarding and communication within both Church and global contexts. Similarly, a major workshop for over 120 heads of Catholic schools and educators from the Diocese of Moshi highlighted the vital role of communication in teaching and safeguarding practices.
One of the defining strengths of the visit was its inclusivity bringing together university leaders, students, clergy, and educators into a shared learning experience. This broad engagement fostered a unified understanding of safeguarding, ethical leadership, and Catholic identity across different levels of the education system.
The outcomes of the visit were both immediate and far-reaching. It significantly strengthened the partnership between MWECAU and CREC International, enhanced leadership capacity across multiple stakeholder groups, and deepened awareness of safeguarding practices and values-based communication. Importantly, it also set in motion concrete plans for sustainable collaboration, including new academic programmes and strategic initiatives.
As Prof. Lovett departed Tanzania, the impact of his visit remained evident—not only in the knowledge shared but in the renewed commitment to Catholic values, leadership excellence, and transformative education. The visit stands as a powerful testament to the role of international collaboration in shaping institutions that are not only academically strong but also ethically grounded and socially responsive. The countless voices of participants requested future training to be organised as soon as possible for continuity.
MWECAU and CREC International look forward to building on this momentum, continuing to empower leaders and institutions dedicated to advancing Catholic education and communication worldwide.
By Athanas Sing’ambi & Sean-Patrick Lovett
