Articles from Nov. Letter

Why the title "Walking with West Africa"?

“God is doing something in Nigeria”, was a comment shared by a teacher at a recent “Prayer Altar for Christian Education” in Abuja, Nigeria. God is already moving and working among His people. When I enter into the world of another, I do not have all the answers, nor am I doing it all right. In my serving as a Christian Education Consultant, I have much to learn from God’s people in West Africa. Thus, it is my prayer that we as North Americans walk alongside believers in the culture we are encountering. I pray that we may listen, learn, and grow together.


Financial Update: Engaging in ministry in-volves so many things! God has blessed me with YOU! I thank God for your prayers and support, both through care and finances
My annual financial goal is $55,000. To date approximately $10,000 has been raised! Thank God with me for His faithfulness in providing, and pray with me for continued support in order to meet this goal. With two months left until returning to Nigeria, I am eager to see this number rise!

Story Story

I visited a school in Baissa, a small town in the interior of Taraba State, Nigeria. The students are pictured here. This is a primary 4 class (grade 4).

These students shared a church sanctuary with the primary 5 class. Each group had a moveable chalkboard in front of them. The topic as I entered was the weather. On the board was written, “What is weather?” The textbook definition was also written, “Weather is the amount of rainfall, precipitation...etc..” I decided to see what the students knew by asking a few questions. I began with,

“What are you studying?”

“Science!” They all chorused.

“What is the topic?” , I asked.

“Weather!”

“What is weather?” I asked.

Hestitation followed. After a few more times of asking the question, a few people got it. Those who could read, began to read the definition on the board.

“Very good,” I responded.

“So, who can tell me, what is the weather today?”

Silence. Not one student could answer.

Maybe it is my accent, I thought. I repeated the question again. Nothing. I thought I would ask a leading question...

”Well, is it raining today?” I asked, as I pointed to the skies outside.

Silence.

After repeating this question, some students responded with a “no.” I followed it up with the original question...

”So, what is the weather today?” ..... Still nothing.

This is quite a typical scenario I have encountered in a number of primary school settings. Students who seem to have memorized a definition, but have not internalized any REAL meaning. There is a lack of connection between the definition and its significance to their daily lives.

How can we bring students to a place where they are not just memorizing an idea, but understanding a concept?

How can we as teachers guide and walk with our students to that place?

Pray for education of QUALITY for students in West Africa.