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Evangelism goes hand in hand with Education in Chad as two new schools open

The enthusiasm for growth for the Anglican Church in Chad has led to the opening of two new schools.

The school at Gonhoro meets
The new school gathers at Gonhoro

The Diocesan mission plan concentrates on adding social capital to a community as a means of building confidence in the church, and it seems to be working. In some places that might mean enabling a new water supply, and that has Biblical overtones; but enabling learning is also at the heart of Christian social endeavour. Spearheaded by Rev’d Felix, mission supports  evangelisation, social development and church planting in Chad and in the Sahel, part of the Diocese of North Africa.

Blackboards balanced on a bike
Delivering blackboards on a bike!

The Diocese is now pleased to announce the opening of two new schools, one at the village of Gonhoro and the other at the village of Danmbanga, both in the south of the country. The facilities are minimal. The blackboard has to be transported by motor bike, which is not an easy fit, and the buildings are simply shelters, but the learning community is the main focus.

New School Community at Danmbanga
The School Community meets at Danmbanga

In Gonhoro the school is the church’s first presence. In Danmbanga it is connected with what the Diocese of North Africa describes as a Ministry Centre. In order to qualify as a church that can be represented at Synod level and recognized as such by the Diocese, it must have an electoral roll of at least 100 adults, and an average Sunday attendance over a six month period of 60. It must also be self-supporting. A Ministry Centre is a stage on the way to that status.

At the recent Synod of the Diocese of North Africa Bishop Anthony described a vision that puts education at the heart of growth. In Chad, he wants to see an education facility as part of the planned new cathedral in N’djamena for example, and he believes it is equally important to bring educational opportunities to villages that have not had them.


Children sing as they clear the grounds of their new school

The pioneer spirit of the enterprise is obvious in the enthusiasm shown by students as they clear the grounds at the school. Lay Minister Benjamin who has been involved with the project said

Opening up children's intelligence through education is of limitless importance

 

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