More than 160 teachers from Seventh-day Adventist schools in Solomon Islands were recently involved in a special training event.
The first-of-its-kind event, held February 24-26 in Honiara, was designed for Adventist teachers who trained at non-Adventist tertiary institutions. It was facilitated by South Pacific Division Education director Dr David McClintock, Trans Pacific Union Mission associate education director Mele Vaihola and Solomon Island Mission’s Joseph Pitakia, Billy Leta and Jennelle Erick.
TPUM data shows a rise in the number of Adventist teachers who have been trained at non-Adventist institutions, with Solomon Islands recording the highest number.
“The main objective of this training was to assist this group of teachers in their understanding of the Adventist Education philosophy and its distinctiveness amongst our Adventist schools in the Solomons,” Ms Vaihola said.
The training involved group activities and presentations, hands-on practical sessions, forums, personal reflections and sharing of teaching experiences from the field.
“It was evident throughout the training that each participant was enthusiastic and focused,” Ms Vaihola said. “[Through] the training it is hoped participants were empowered and equipped to go out and make a difference in their respective schools in the Solomon Islands.”
Dr McClintock said the program was all about inspiring teachers with the rationale and value of Adventist education.
“As the program unfolded, there were many positive comments made,” Dr McClintock said. “We kept driving home two key ideas: Adventist teachers should be God-filled and student-focused.”
According to one of the participants, “the thing I appreciated the most from this training is that Adventist teachers must have the divine work that reflects Christ to the students”.
