MAF equips training centre to help children’s workers share the gospel in the digital age.
Story by Joy Wolf with Kowara Bell
MAF Technologies is supporting churches in their efforts to connect with the younger generation in Papua New Guinea, by donating computers to a training organisation doing vital work.
Salem Training Centre in Goroka, in the highlands of PNG, is using the computers to help youth programme leaders and teachers at Sunday school and religious education to understand technology that is popular with young people.
Jennifer Nomuio, the Principal of Salem, anticipates that computer literacy will empower their students to utilise technology in their outreach efforts to the next generation, aiding them in counselling and connecting them to their churches where they serve.
“Our vision is to see a generation of PNG children grow up with Christian principles and we hope to do that by providing training to children’s workers from different denominations equipping them in reaching and training children,” she said.
“Introducing computers enhances their skills in their line of work when it comes to creating materials for their students and also writing up reports and updates to their churches.
“Technologies such as this enables them to connect with the new upcoming generation.”
One participant, Gail Maru, said: “Even though it is basic, it is fundamental to know how to interact with children and how to teach the word of God to the children at their level. And to me it is a plus because working with children is something I am passionate about.
“The training helps me understand children more and to know the different levels of early childhood learning.
“MAF Technologies has given us the computer technology to use that will enhance part of our learning.”
Jacob Dinoki, a Senior Technician at MAF Technologies who has been a theological mentoring and teaching volunteer at the Salem Training Centre for 13 years, sees the importance of the donated computers.
“The children today are born into digital technology and multimedia especially. Social media is very much shaping are our children.
“Therefore, children’s workers must be equipped with computer technology to reach and teach today’s generation,’’ Jacob said.
“Salem had few computers in their lab. The computers donated to Salem by MAF Technologies will go a long way to enhance its program for the children’s workers.’’
Course participant James Mega said that training on the five computers donated by MAF Technologies in August had helped him to learn basic skills.
“I am excited and look forward to putting my hands on the computer because I have no experience with a computer or knowledge of how to use it,” he said.
“I am looking forward to learning how best I can use it in my work. The computer will help me download resources that I can use when creating activities for the kids.”
Gail said the impact of the training will help future generations.
“There are benefits we can gain from the use of the computers,” said Gail.
“There are times we do not understand topics from our theory classes, and I find that now we can easily go online and access information we need through the computers. We can also use it for networking and report writing to our churches via email and sending updates and progress of the students to their church and supporters.”
Click here to learn more about MAF Technologies services. MAF Technologies