It has been a fascinating experience to work with the teachers and to get to know them as individuals. They are generally competent in reading and writing but some were initially hesitant in speaking English because they haven’t had much experience of conversation with natural English speakers.
Because of a new national education policy of starting English language learning in the third year of schooling many English language teachers have been needed in a hurry. Many people found themselves assigned this task without much preparation. The Amity Summer English Project is a great opportunity for reinforcing and extending teachers’ English language skills. The Amity Foundation has many grassroots service and ministry projects besides this English language training program that enable Chinese Christians – and their international partners – to make a difference in Chinese society.
The English teachers we are working with are wonderful people, and it is amazing to see what a difference there is in our relationship since first meeting at the formal opening ceremony. In our classroom sessions we have found many opportunities for learning about each other and our countries, and there has been much laughter as preconceived notions are revealed and discussed. We look forward to what we will yet learn together in the coming days.
Posted by Gordon Timbers and Anne Saunders
Hope everyone is having a great time over there! Keep up the good work! I will keep you all in prayers.
Nadira