The Value of Christian Vocational Education
Addressing the needs of teenage vocational students through quality Christian education.
Meeting report from the November 14-15, 2024 event at Hoornbeeck College, Gouda, NL
It was a blessing to be with educators from five vocational schools to learn from each other ways that we can serve students who are gifted with more practical skills and abilities and may struggle with the academic setting. This was a conference provided as a cooperation between Hoornbeeck College and ACSI Europe and we hope to involve more schools in future events!
Various speakers challenged and encouraged us on subjects such as…
-
Reaching the heart of vocational students.
-
Spiritual leadership of vocational students.
-
Developing curriculum for project-based vocational courses.
-
Integrating Biblical themes into practical lessons.
Each session was followed by lively discussion and sharing of experiences and ideas.
Other highlights of our time together were visiting local sites where vocational students are engaged in practical training and internships, and hearing from two students about their developing understanding of Christian citizenship and how they used their practical training in a mission project.
ACSI is very thankful to Hoornbeeck College (Gouda location) for hosting this event, especially Mrs. Alice Middlekoop and her student service team. We would also like to thank Mr Pieter Verhoeve, the Mayor of the city of Gouda, for his welcome and support of this initiative.
All the participants agreed that the collaboration and fellowship we experienced should be extended, and look forward to planning further events that prioritize the service of vocational students.
Strong and Courageous: The Impact of SLC 2026
This last month, students and teachers from Christian schools across Europe gathered for the 2026 Student Leadership Conference (SLC). Over three events, two weeks in Hungary and one in the UK, young people from more than 50 Christian schools worshipped together, studied God's Word, attended practical leadership workshops and met in small discussion groups led by their peers.
Spain's Christian Schools Take Steps Toward a National Federation
Evangelical Christian schools in Spain are preparing to take a significant step together. At the 5th Forum on Christ-Centred Education, held in Barcelona on 30–31 October 2026, educators will be presented with a project to form a national federation of Protestant Christian schools.
The week after SLC
The week after SLC or any event that challenges student growth is a huge opportunity - don't miss it! Many of our students are teenagers in European schools where living out a Christian faith can be difficult, where speaking up takes courage that does not come naturally, where identifying as a Christ-follower may not be received be warmly. How will we as teachers and school leaders engage them in their next steps of faith and leadership?
ACSI Europe Art Show Winners 2026
We would like to congratulate all the wonderful students who participated in our first ACSI Europe Art Show responding to the theme of "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.". We were very encouraged to receive over 60 art pieces from schools all across Europe — a remarkable debut for this new tradition.
