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Newfrontiers Education Forum
By Margaret Grant
Dihlabeng School, Clarens, South Africa
Early on 29 June 2005, fifteen delegates climbed on to the waiting minibus to visit The King’s School in Witney, Oxfordshire, UK. They had come from eight nations (Guinea, India, Ghana, Kenya, Russia, South Africa, England and Scotland) to participate in the Education Forum. On day two our numbers were expanded to 24 by other UK delegates. This was the start of four days filled with educational input, which proved to be for all a source of refreshing, envisioning, equipping, motivation and challenge. We shared our lives and exchanged information about our schools, and together considered anew God’s heart for the children we teach.
International similarities and differences
Friendships formed in discussion groups and over mealtimes, and as educational situations across the nations were shared we found that, although we all came from different cultures with varying national educational requirements, children are the same the world over. All have the same need to be loved, esteemed and taught about God, the source of all true knowledge and learning. Steve Haines, one of the UK delegates, summed it up when he said, ‘Obviously there were differences between each of the nations represented in terms of culture, curriculum and national requirements, but I was struck by the similarities at a fundamental level.’ Gavin Northcote, one of the South African delegates, said that he found the discussion groups ‘very helpful in realising that educational needs worldwide are very similar’. I realised that true teachers the world over, no matter what challenges they face or difficulties they must overcome, are the same in their dedication to the pupils and schools they serve.
It was also instructive to gain an understanding of some of the real differences in education in schools across the nations. Sieh Kargbo and Mosh Davis from the Trust International School in Guinea were horrified and greatly concerned about the bad attitude of students towards teachers in some schools in the UK. Martin Garratt, one of the UK delegates, commented, ‘The thing that impacted me the most was the concern the internationals had for those of us teaching in the UK; they were concerned for the lack of respect the teachers get from their students and in some cases parents.’ Gavin Northcote, speaking about the contrasts in education internationally, said that ‘So many folk are achieving a lot with so little. Others, who seem to lack nothing resource-wise, are in need of spiritual zeal and breakthrough to be able to present the gospel freely and openly in a society that does not encourage religious freedom.’ Alex Kpikpi, from Ghana, found it ‘great to interact with people from many different parts of the globe working in education in many different ways, and to hear time after time how God has been faithful to them as they sought to set up schools for His glory.’
The video clips that were shown of some of the delegates’ schools made me realise how some of the schools are desperately in need of resources and help, particularly photos of Grace Education Christian School in Dharavi, one of the biggest slum areas in India. I agree with Martin Garratt who said that he ‘was and continues to be full of admiration for all his friends who work in such difficult circumstances’.
Learning together
Plenty of time was given for discussion and these groups were very helpful in giving us a better perspective on what is happening internationally in education. Gavin Northcote commented that the discussion times ‘helped us all to be empathetic towards the other schools’ and he felt they also enlightened us as teachers about how to pray for other schools across the globe.
At the Forum we were privileged to be presented with a model of Christian education that is inspiring and completely practical and workable. David Freeman, founder-principal of The King’s School in Witney (who now has a wider ministry for the Salt and Light movement of churches in education) and Julia Morgan, recent head teacher of the Junior section of The King’s School, shared with us their passion for Christian education and imparted practical wisdom over the four days we were together. What a privilege it was to sit and soak in such godly wisdom about Christian education from these two wise disciples of the Lord Jesus! What they shared with us can be applied across international boundaries, so all delegates from every nation were able to benefit from their outstanding input. Steve Haines made an excellent comment, ‘Their focus was on a Biblical approach to teaching and learning and therefore relevant, if properly applied, to any culture.’
An international model
Steve also pointed out that, although David is based in the UK and draws much experience from UK schools, he has travelled widely in other less-privileged nations and has set up schools in Africa and Asia. He has found that the type of education we heard about at the forum has worked in these nations too. Alex Kpikpi, commenting on the model of education presented, said, ‘It was great to be shown how to bring Christian input to any curriculum in a way that is not heavy-handed but rather encourages the student to develop his or her own Christian worldview.’ At Dihlabeng Christian School in Clarens, South Africa, we have already incorporated some of the practical ideas suggested at the forum about discipline. As a result of what was shared with us, we have also changed the format of our lesson plan so that we actively incorporate and impart Biblical truths through all we teach. The model we were presented with is one that can be adapted to suit each individual situation. It will enable children to grow in godly character and become wise disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, having an understanding of the times they live in while remaining secure in their Christian faith.
Church-to-church links
We also looked at church-to-church links since most of our schools are church-based. We discussed how beneficial these links can be and how truly we can fulfil the prophecy over Newfrontiers to ‘do more together than apart’. At Dihlabeng Christian School in Clarens we have been fortunate to have made and sustained links with Swindon Family Church in the UK. We were able to share how this partnership has blessed and grown both parties. Gavin Northcote said that, as we talked about this link, the realisation grew that ‘a church was behind the school, giving spiritual and practical support’. Steve Haines comments that ‘church-to-church links usually spring out of personal relationships’. I personally have found this to be true.
Networking
‘I feel that we made some good friendships at the Forum but obviously these friendships will need to be nurtured through communication and prayer for each other. It is very easy to have good intentions but to lose contact over time.’ This comment by Steve Haines is something to heed. Alex Kpikpi said, ‘It was great to make new friends and to know that there is now a network of people who can be contacted for encouragement and advice.’
It is wonderful to be part of a movement that facilitates the development of links across the world and I think that one of the great benefits of this forum for all the delegates is the friendships that have been formed across many different nations. These demonstrate that we are one in Christ, allowing us to share here on earth something of what it will be like in heaven where there will be ‘a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb’ (Rev. 7:9).
The network referred to is being coordinated in order to encourage contact to continue. For further information about this network and details of how to receive copies of the talks from the Forum please contact Martin Garratt on: mgarratt@wsgfl.org.uk |
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