Orthodox Church fills void of spiritual resources for Georgian children

The Sunday schools will offer children the chance to learn about Orthodoxy, the faith of more than 80 percent of the Georgian population, through Youth Bible Curriculum (YBC) thanks to a partnership between the Orthodox Church, World Vision and Gospel Light Worldwide.

An estimated 130 children will participate in the Sunday schools, where each child will receive a YBC book as a welcoming gift.

The Sunday schools will offer children the chance to learn about Orthodoxy, the faith of more than 80 percent of the Georgian population, through Youth Bible Curriculum

More than 160 teachers will be trained on YBC pedagogy, which uses a student-centered approach centered on discovery, interaction and application, rather than teachers simply imparting information to their students.

The teachers will be using the books, “God is with us” for 8 year-old children, and “Life with God” for 12 year-old children and corresponding teachers guides.

“Teachers are in need of religious books like this. They like this particular book and are eager to introduce copies in their classes,” says Nana Danelia, project coordinator.

“Only Orthodox gymnasiums and Sunday schools can use the Youth Bible Curriculum because secondary schools have different programs and approved books. However, some secondary school teachers still manage to discuss the issue with their directors and are granted permission to use the books,” she says.

The local population and orthodox churches have shown great interest in the Sunday schools, with churches having committed special rooms for Sunday school use. World Vision has provided equipment for the rooms.

The initiative envisages translating, contextualizing, printing, selling, and distributing the Bible curriculum, as well as training of the teachers according to the given methodology and monitoring of the study process.