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…
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Reaching the heart of vocational students.
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Spiritual leadership of vocational students.
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Developing curriculum for project-based vocational courses.
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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.
Education as a Restoration of Hope
Today we turn to the good news: God’s plan of restoration through Christ. This is not only a personal hope but also a framework for how we think about education, leadership, and the shaping of society. How can we build meaningful outcomes into the process of teaching and learning which truly reflect the hope we have in Christ?
Recognizing the Problem of Sin
The foundational, yet often overlooked, reality is the way sin impacts both teaching and learning. As school leaders, we cannot view education merely as the transfer of knowledge or the development of skills. Education is always moral and spiritual, shaped either by truth that comes from God or by distortions introduced by sin.
ACSI Europe Online Prayer
Join Christian school leaders from across the Europe region for a time of prayer, fellowship and encouragement. This group meets on Zoom the 2nd Thursday each month at 13:00 CET to focus our attention on God's presence and provision for His work through global Christian education.
Education as an Affirmation of Identity
Here we explore one of the most pressing issues facing Christian schools today: how we understand and communicate identity and purpose. Our role as school leaders is to help students discover who they are and why they are here, according to God’s Word, and to ensure that our school culture and curriculum reflect this foundational truth.
