More Students in SY ’14-‘15

VOHCS teachers and Kinabookasan field staff attend the 3rd CCT-VOHCS Annual Teachers' Training
this summer in Laguna.

Having taught over 700 underprivileged children from urban and rural poor communities across the country last school year, Visions of Hope Christian School (VOHCS) is all geared up to increase the number of its students for school year 2014-2015. Sixty-seven VOHCS teachers, both old and new, attended a two-week teachers’ training on May 5-15, 2014 to enhance their teaching techniques and skills, set strategic goals for the upcoming school year, and reflect on God’s Word together. They came out of the training determined to seek out more children who deserve subsidized quality Christian preschool education from VOHCS. The training had the theme, “Raising Each Child to be a Light to the Nations.”

In March this year, 703 out of 763 VOHCS students passed the reading readiness test and graduated from preschool. Summer remedial classes are ongoing for those who were unable to graduate.

For school year 2014-2015 which opens in June, each VOHCS school aims to have a total of 60 students. Half of the students will attend morning classes and half will attend afternoon classes. Three new schools will be opened in Kidapawan City and Tagum City in Mindanao, and in Muntinlupa, Metro Manila – in addition to the 25 schools that VOHCS has at present.

A new curriculum called Child-Centered Education Transformational Curriculum will be piloted as well in four areas: VOHCS Rose of Sharon, VOHCS Irawan (Palawan), VOHCS Angeles (Pampanga), and VOHCS Oton (Iloilo). VOHCS follows the Basic Literacy Educational Support System (BLESS) in majority of its schools.

VOHCS is also prepared to minister to more parents through the formation of Bible study and discipleship groups in communities where the schools are located.

58 VOHCS Teachers ‘Step Up to Excellence’ in Summer Training

Fifty-eight teachers from all 30 Visions of Hope Christian Schools (VOHCS) in the country met for the 2nd CCT-VOHCS Annual Teachers’ Retreat and Equipping on April 21 to 27, 2013 at the Rose of Sharon House of Friendship Boarding School in Bay, Laguna. With the theme, “Step Up to Excellence”, they learned together through teaching and interactive sessions how to offer the best possible Christian education to their students as the new school year approaches.

A vesper worship service on the first night aptly opened the week-long training. The following day, the teachers reported on highlights and challenges met for the school year 2012 to 2013. “It was an encouraging time for many because we were reminded of God’s faithfulness and of our part in a bigger community that builds His kingdom,” one of them said. 

In sessions led by Center for Community Transformation President Ruth Callanta and VOHCS Board Member Edmon Ngo, the teachers were affirmed of their purpose and commitment. Meanwhile, guest expert speakers Bgit Tuico, Anna Alegre, Donna Simpao, Fe Mangahas, Malu Garcia, Leo Arnaiz, Rowena Kakilala, as well as the Right Start team led by Arlene Sy and the MGC New Life Christian Academy team led by its principal, Mrs. Helen Villanueva, introduced new knowledge and skills that would enhance the teachers’ capacities and teaching methods. Prescilla Salili and Christina Gellor, along with the VOH (Visions of Hope Foundation) and VOHCS support teams, also facilitated dialogues on policies and procedures that concerned the teachers. 

A tribute to the teachers, which moved some of them to tears, wrapped up the full yet rich training week. Donned in Filipiniana attire, the VOHCS teachers each walked down a red carpet, received a garland from a VOHCS child, and were honored by the MGC New Life team and VOHCS board members. They left the training venue with improved skills, minds full of new things learned, and, hopefully, hearts ready for another year of service to VOHCS children.

VOHCS teachers work in groups to discuss their teaching exercises.

They also get their hands dirty in outdoor team building activities. 

A group of VOHCS teachers lead one of several teaching demonstrations.

Shown here with VOHCS support staff and mentors from MGC New Life Christian Academy, 58 VOHCS teachers
successfully finish the teachers' training for 2013.