China Short Term Teams
For over 4 years, teams of volunteers from Australia have travelled with CNEC Partners International to China to serve those in need in various ways.
English Teaching Camp, July
As English is a highly valued subject, required for university entrance, several principals asked us to come and share English conversation skills with selected students. For 2 weeks, we run classes where 3 or 4 team members will lead many activities with a group of about 20 students, helping them gain confidence in pronunciation and understanding. This is in a poor rural area where largely unreached minority tribes live. (see 2008 report, English Summer Camp)
As well as this, we have been asked to teach the students 'morals'. This is required of schools, but little training is provided for teachers. So we are happy to oblige. We share the true basis of morality, and speak on topics ranging from evolution/creation to honouring parents, love and relationships, anger, humility and appreciating my own uniqueness.
As team and students grow quickly in affection and warmth, there is much sharing outside of class time. Many students have asked about why we come, and are impressed with the love and concern shown to them. Often these students will not see parents more than twice a year. The effect is powerful, and has sown seeds into their lives which we believe will bear much fruit in years to come.
Team members do not need to be qualified teachers, though we do have quite a few on each team. We also have a good proportion of bi-lingual teachers to help.
Projects
In this area, CNEC Partners International has also undertaken many projects, such as building medical centres, schools and wells in small mountain villages. Many children from these villages go to the larger secondary schools where our teams take the camp, so there is an excellent network. The local government authorities have grown to trust and appreciate our work, and are fully supportive of all we are doing. We are open about our Christian motivation and respectful of their wishes to not publicly 'missionize'. It is a wonderful and productive partnership.
Other teams
Other teams going into this area are medical in orientation (see report on the most recent team, October , 2007). Doctors, dentists and optometrists freely give their time and skills to provide free clinics in small villages to locals who can not afford paid visits.
In July, 2008, we have completed another English camp (see report) requiring 150 teachers to work with 900 students. Friends from US, Canada and Hong Kong joined us to form a fantastic team. At the start of August, we also ran a smaller team with a new school where a so called "class of hope", a group of 112 poor but very bright students, will receive our help. Both teams will need volunteers to come and help in 2009!!
Call to Action
Will you join this exciting work? Age is no barrier; neither is ability - just your availability! There is also a medical team again planned for October next year, requiring not just medically trained people, but also helpers. You would be giving 2 weeks to come and serve, but the common testimony is that you will receive more than you give - a truly transforming experience.
Contact our STT Co-ordinator Phil Arnold for further information: phila@cnecpi.com.au
