Bringing the Kingdom to the Teachers in Yei

This year’s Yei Teachers’ Conference ended last weekend and what a great time we had. Thanks to God for bringing us this way and this far in three years.

Our objectives have remained the same.

Without warning and in an awesome way, God took us to the next level as we engaged vital elements of personal development and Kingdom advancement at this year’s Conference.

The challenge of untrained teachers sprang to the surface almost immediately. We were amazed to see that many of the 140 teachers attending the two days Conference had no formal training.

“The reality is that more than half of the teachers in Yei and in the Nation as a whole do not have training of any kind in this profession…” said Mr. James Kepo, The Principal of (YTTC).

Yet, it was stated and rightly so, by the authorities in charge of education here, that Yei as a County, ranks highest in education in the Nation. It also hosts the Nation’s flagship teacher training college; Yei Teacher Training College (YTTC).

Stirred by this worrisome reality, one of the facilitators, Rev. Yemi Ayodele offered to help sponsor teachers who are willing to go for training in the Training College. 59 teachers joyfully and promptly registered for the two year training. The process of their admission, sponsorship and eventual training is underway. Praise the LORD!!

The presentation of Norman Brinkley, one of the facilitators from USA, hit home when these untrained teachers stood up. With a Mango fruit in hand, he said, “There’s only one seed in this mango fruit, but you cannot count how many fruits are in this mango’s seed.” Indeed, we cannot imagine how the proper training and discipling of one teacher can impact the entire nation. This idea motivates us!!

The needs highlighted during this conference where overwhelming as usual. From overcrowded classrooms (average of 100 children per class), substandard books, poorly furnished labs, zero IT skills (over 90% of the teachers present have never used a computer), to poor learning environment etc, education here seems a big joke.

 

During their presentation, Leslie Totten and Arden Schlecht, both educators from the USA, gave writing assignments to the teachers. Their feedback revealed the great need for training in communication and personal development skills.

The determination of these teachers, despite the huge difficulties and seemingly insurmountable challenges is a tribute to their devotion and passion.

One of the teachers went home with a brand new laptop and four others will be getting theirs any day now. Thanks to Engr. Adeolu Odusote for facilitating this and for his powerful presentation on the usefulness of computers in this era.

When Glen Totten, another facilitator from the USA introduced his training on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, we didn’t know what to expect. With many teachers and pastors in attendance, his session at this Conference threw light into dark areas of our lives needing God’s immediate intervention.

As he unearthed the challenges of  PTSD and highlighted its signs, the hall of meeting was charged with emotional pain from many years of unspoken and unaddressed trauma.

During the practical session that involved freely sharing our traumatic experiences, three ladies who’d been deeply traumatized fainted. This provoked all sorts of emotions and reactions from participants.

Almost everyone present needed healing from trauma and stress related issues. Many wept quietly. The history of the South Sudan is tainted with pain. The hurts are very deep and have festered for so long.

This conference aims to be a vessel through which emotional healing could reach teachers. Even so Lord!

The written evaluation of the conference by the teachers witnessed to an awesome event that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

The spiritual edge of the meeting was not in doubt. It was clear from the start that we sort the salvation of  these teachers. In the end, 62 of them stood to receive Jesus as Savior.  20 schools indicated their need for a weekly Staff fellowship and wanted us to come help them start it. 7 more primary schools wanted their own students’ fellowship. Praise the Lord!!

 

The testimonies of many changed lives are in the destiny of this Conference. The remarkable comments of these very delighted teachers will be posted at a later date.

Their salvation is the first step to an awesome school year for us as we plot their discipleship process. For them, a journey into eternity with Jesus as All in all has started.

May Jesus get His due from their efforts and ours, as we seek to disciple the Nation together.