Free University of the Great Lakes Countries

The Free University of the Great Lakes Countries (French: Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, colloquially referred to by its acronym ULPGL), is a private Christian educational institution located in Goma, in the North Kivu Province of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ULPGL was founded in 1985, as a result of the Institut Supérieur de Théologie Protestante and was granted university status by the government in 1991. It is sponsored by six Protestant denominations, including two Baptists (CBCA and CEBCE), two Pentecostals (CELPA and CADAF), one Anglican (EAC), and one Methodist (CLMC).

With a vision to provide quality education and research tailored to the needs of the African Great Lakes Region, ULPGL consists of six academic faculties and other educational institutions, such as a nursery and primary school (EMP Kauta) and a secondary school (Metanoïa Institute). The university mainly attracts students from the Great Lakes region, which includes countries such as DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, and occasionally Uganda and Tanzania.

History
The establishment of ULPGL's lineage traces back to the collaborative endeavors of six Protestant ecclesiastical communities, including two Baptist entities (Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique; CBCA and Communauté des Églises Baptistes du Congo-Est; CEBCE), two Pentecostal congregations (Communauté des Églises Libres de Pentecôte; CELPA and Communauté Assemblée de Dieu à l'Est du Congo; CADAF), one Anglican denomination (Afrique and Église Anglicane du Congo; EAC), and one Methodist association (CLMC). Initially founded in 1985 as the Institut Supérieur de Théologie Protestante (ISTP), the university underwent a significant transformation on August 16, 1991, when it was officially established as the Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs (ULPGL) as ordained by Order N°ESU/CABMIN/0188/91.

This pivotal juncture heralded the university's expansive educational scope, incorporating the Faculty of Protestant Theology and Faculty of Law. The accreditation of ULPGL's academic credentials was solidified by Order N°ESURS/CABMIN/0108/92, dated February 5, 1992, and further augmented by Ministerial Order N°ESURES/CABMIN/A5/0022/96 of January 31, 1996, endorsing the university's establishment. Prime Ministerial Decree No. 0016 of May 27, 1996, granted ULPGL with legal personality, elevating it to the status of a "Public Utility Establishment". The ultimate imprimatur was consecrated by Presidential Decree No. 06/0106 of June 12, 2006.

In its commitment to expanding access to education, ULPGL embarked on the establishment of two campuses in Bukavu (South Kivu) and Butembo (North Kivu) in 2001. These campuses evolved into autonomous universities, namely ULPGL-Bukavu and ULPGL-Butembo, alongside the original ULPGL-Goma, also known as the mother university.

Campuses
The ULPGL has three campuses in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Goma, Bukavu, and Butembo.

ULPGL-Goma
Goma hosts two campuses of ULPGL: Moïse and Salomon. The Moïse Campus, comprising the Faculty of Theology, student residences, and scholarly lodgings for professors, was erected by MEU, while CPFP from Hamburg, facilitated the development of the Salomon Campus, housing faculties such as Law, Economics, Science of Education, and accommodations for male students and visiting professors.

ULPGL-Bukavu
In Bukavu, ULPGL operates with a variety of faculties including Theology (FT), Economic Sciences and Management (FSEG), Community Health and Development (FSDC), and Psychology and Sciences of Education (FPSE). Despite minimal reception infrastructure, the university has secured land in the commune of Ibanda, in the Kasihe district, for future expansion.

ULPGL-Butembo
In Butembo, ULPGL operates four faculties: Theology, Economic and Management Sciences, Community Health and Development, and Psychology and Educational Sciences. Construction is underway on two plots of land, one located in Makoma, Katwa district, and the other in Kinyatsi, to further enhance the university's academic offerings and infrastructure.

Governance and organization
The ULPGL is governed by a combination of its Board of Directors, a university council, a scientific council, and a management committee led by a Rector.

The university is organized around six faculties:

Faculty of Theology
The Faculty of Theology aims to critically examine contemporary societal values and norms from a Christian perspective. It offers intellectual and moral training while contributing to the spiritual fulfillment of the community. Through services like the Chaplaincy and the Polyvalent Center for Vocational Training (CPFP), the faculty provides diverse educational avenues.

Faculty of Law
With a mission to combat legal underdevelopment and ignorance of the law within the community, the Faculty of Law undertakes research, hosts consultation frameworks, and operates programs like the Legal Clinic for the Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence. These initiatives aim to promote human rights and facilitate legal assistance for vulnerable individuals.

Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management
This faculty supports local development initiatives by providing technical support and training people capable of creating and managing businesses sustainably. Through actions such as supporting cooperatives, microfinance, and offering professional IT training via the Computer and Business Management Center (CIME).

Faculty of Health and Community Development
Focused on equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to improve community health and integral development, this faculty fosters partnerships with communities and implements projects such as education on malaria prevention and evaluating social reintegration programs. It actively contributes to promoting health for all and hygiene in the city of Goma.

Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
Trains educators and administrators, conducts research for educational improvement, and offers services to enhance learning quality.

Faculty of Science and Applied Technology
This faculty provides technical support for local development initiatives and trains individuals to introduce appropriate technologies while considering ecological preservation. It aims to empower people to implement sustainable development practices in their environment.

Schools and research centers
ULPGL is home to a diverse range of schools and research centers that provide diverse academic and research opportunities.

EMP Kauta
EMP Kauta is a renowned nursery and primary school named after one of the first CBCA pastors in the city. Initially, it only catered to the children of married ISTP students, but its stellar reputation has drawn students from all over the city.

Metanoïa Institute
Established in 2001, the Metanoïa Institute is a leading secondary school in Goma. It provides top-tier education at all levels and has become one of the city's most prominent benchmark school.

Research Centers

 * Centre Polyvalent pour la Formation Professionnelle (CPFP)
 * Centre Informatique et de Management des Entreprises (CIME)


 * Centre Africain de Recherche et d’Education à la Paix et à la Démocratie (CAREPD)


 * Legal Clinic
 * University Hospital Center (University Dispensary)