CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COORDINATION PROGRAM

By Bill Nasa
Christian Education Coordinator

Christian Education is a programme in the Education Ministry of the Diocese of Aitape in Papua New Guinea.

Objectives:
The objectives of the program are:

Coordinate the evangelisation of the Good News to all students through Religious Education Lessons in all levels of Educational Institutions in the Diocese of Aitape.
To promote Integral Development of the students and teachers in all our schools and institutions.

Target:

• 179 schools (State and Church)
• 470 teachers
• 12, 500 students

Achievements:

• The Good News has been in the Diocese of Aitape for over 112 years and is growing still and towards localization.
  
• Our schools have and are playing a significant role in the evangelization process of the Good News and a credit is to our devoted Catholic Teachers despite hardships.
  
• The coordinating office keeps teachers in-line with changes through courses, workshops and inservices on relevant spiritual topics conducted on regular basis.
  
• We have a Catholic Teachers' newsletter which brings news and information to teachers. It is published quarterly every year.
  
• We are strengthening the students faith through the works of charity appeals, receiving of the sacraments, spiritual development in terms of liturgies, retreats and prayer groups.
  
• Office procedures and correspondences are being maintained as effective as possible.

Constraints:
The programme and the ministry of Education as a whole is being faced by the following set-backs.

• Remoteness - two thirds (2/3) of our schools are isolated by geographical, communication network and transportation links.
  
• Teaching Aids - The schools are in need of teaching aids such as Holy Bibles, Holy Pictures, images, rosary beads, C.D.s and story books.
  
• Transport - Reaching out to our schools on a frequent basis has been hindered by lack of transport. Road conditions and high cost of airfares. A motorbike would be convenient to move on poor surface roads.
  
• Financial Shortfalls are also contributing factors as well in the delivery of serivces and implementation of new ideas and policies.
  

Way Ahead:
The Christian Education Services of the Diocese of Aitape has plans for the following to help improve its outreach programmes.in its future plans is focusing on, are;

• To seek assistance of a motorbike for school visits.
  
• Improve its office facilities, such as a computer and general beautification and other office requirements
  
• Conduct more courses and workshops, retreats for the teachers on a more regular basis.
  
• Introduce Charity and Holy Society Clubs in all the schools as informal R.E. Curriculum.
  
• We are lookin for a sponsor to help improve our Catholic Teachers Newsletter.

Special Appeal:
Your assistance to the programme in any means would be very much appreciated.

God bless you for your support to the children of Aitape Diocese - PNG