Margaret Stockwell, Director of Anchor Education, says "The conference went extremely well, the parents appreciated our input and work with the children and have already decided some topics they want included in the next conference. They were ready to sign up for the next conference after only one day of this one. These are people working in isolated areas who need the help that Anchor Education can give to them and their children." She was accompanied by Angela Rees, an SVN volunteer.

All going well! At last the sun has come out - very wet / stormy Sunday to yesterday.....wellies rather than sleeveless dresses might have been a good idea! We have 23 lively teenagers 12 to 17 yrs - range of nationalities. They are interested in the activities we are doing with them and the parents appreciate being able to leave them with us for their conference slots. Two other ladies who have been with the conference in several occasions are with the 3 to 11 year olds. Carole came with a nasty cold which I have picked up but paracetamol / lemsip  doing their job. Feels strange doing SVN work to be in a four star hotel .... but very nice! AEP people all very pleasant and interesting to learn about life in Albania.

Was the conference useful?
100% yes
 
What would you like to see in another conference?

1. More about how to practically run a classroom with multiple kids at different ages
2. One or two workshops (eg TCK’s) where dads are specifically included in the session
3. more sharing sessions
4. When a work group is age specific either provide another option for those to whom it may not apply.
5. Many practical tips/ideas that I can use without further research or preparation.
6. Daily small group prayer times
7. Perhaps more info on how to prepare our kids for taking tests
8. Advice on how and when to train kids to work independently
9. A session where dads can be involved
10. I would like more information about teaching phonics and spelling. I am not satisfied with sonlight’s curriculum in this area ..so would appreciate some additional resources
11. Make it longer
12. How to homeschool with children whose first language is not English
13. How to teach Math

Ann Bielby and Isabel Wodrow will be travelling to Mozambique on Friday November 13th, returning on Sunday November 22nd.
Please will you pray as they travel and work with the children and their parents at the home school conference in northern Mozambique.
The conference will be led by the director of Anchor Education, Margaret Stockwell. Other members of the team are Jean Kawiecki and Zethu Mthenjane.

Please will you pray for:

• Safe travel and stamina- the outward journey takes 48 hours
• Good health for  the team
• Margaret as she has responsibility for the conference
• Good relationships within the team
• Opportunities to build relationships with parents
• The children and young people. Pray that they will enjoy being together, learning, being creative and having fun
• That we will be aware of God’s presence with us

 
Ann will be doing a session for parents about helping when learning is difficult and one about creative writing. And helping to assess children’s progress.

Isabel Wodrow will be looking after the younger children, aged 3- 10 years. Using deserts as the theme and using Godly Play material for teaching about the exile and the return and Jesus and John the Baptist. There will be opportunity for the children to experience a variety of arts and crafts and games.
 
The Godly play teaching guide for the session about the exile says “God’s presence is not here or there but everywhere, waiting. To be found. To find us."
Pray that we will experience this as we serve Him.