… I did not understand child development … I did not know that I was going against God’s plan for children. I have been raising them the way I was raised during my childhood. The teachings have really transformed my thinking, heart and also equips me with the techniques and skills on how I am going to apply them in my ministry, family or community in making them to thrive through the life of child.”
This report from a Kenyan participant captures some of the change that takes place in each CCW. Committed caregivers, teachers, Sunday School teachers and parents, working against almost impossible odds, get insight into the pain of their childhood and how it impacts the children they are with each day. They hear, they capture a truth, and then turn around and change. The strength and transparency of leaders in Africa always humble us.
The Celebrating Children Workshop (CCW) Arusha ‘23 & ‘24 is now history. Each CCW has a particular energy and unique characteristics. This group laughed, danced, debated, questioned, wrestled, and embraced truth. It was a rich time for all the participants and staff. On February 16, 53 participants received their graduation certificates in a joyous celebration ceremony.
Participant interaction both in and out of the classroom, is an essential element in adult education, resulting in good learning. This group thoroughly enjoyed each other! Much of the discussion, prayer, listening to each other’s stories, and even homework projects are done in teams. This small group dynamic allows even the shyer participants to have a voice.
At Loom, we work hard to create an atmosphere where people feel safe. It is in this kind of environment that the best learning takes place. Many of our participants work alone and in isolated situations, so you can imagine how thrilled they were to return to CCW Part 2, as if they were coming to a much-anticipated family reunion. They were delighted to be with each other, and their joy was palpable. Feeling comfortable with each other even allowed for some practical joking, and often, the entire group was reduced to laughter.
One of the participants wrote this to one of our staff:
“We also had time to relax together, it was very good, everyone wanted to continue being together 😊. It was a wonderful time to make friends with people 😊” This relational connection provides a natural ongoing foundation for encouragement and accountability as people go home. WhatsApp is much used!
The content of the CCW is life-changing. We’ve seen significant shifts in people’s thinking over the years, thinking that allows them to align with what the scripture says about vulnerable children. Combining God’s intentions for children, updated scientific research, and contextualized application causes behavioral change. We know that this is having a direct influence on the thinking of many families, churches, schools, and villages.
The CCW Arusha is indeed history, but the work in communities is our present and our future. It is happening right now! Please pray for Oscar from Burundi as he prepares to run a seminar over eight weeks; pray for Jane Brenda and her team as they meet and develop a strategy for their district in Uganda. The multiplication is happening.
Each month, we hope to highlight a CCW graduate and what they are now involved in in their community.
