Bible Society of Kenya held training for teachers in Dreams Children’s Home in Kajiado County, on 15th Oct 2021.

A group of teachers acting out a Bible story

The training was attended by 12 teachers who were guided on how to engage children in dramatizing the word of God through Open the Book (O.T.B) programme integrating it with the Pastoral Programme for Instruction Programme.

The goal of the Open the Book programme is to engage children with Scripture through storytelling so that they may be rooted in God’s Word and be nourished spiritually for generational impact. Skills and value addition are also integrated to build a child into a whole person. The foundation of the training is based on God’s heart for children in the Scripture.

The teachers were reminded that God’s Priority and love for the children are evident in His Word. The following insights came out strongly during the training:

• Children need to know God.
• Children ought to be guided to love God. Knowing is not enough, a walk with him is paramount.
• Children must be taught on the place of fellowship to learn to belong to part of God’s family: Learning to love one another and growing together in the warmth of brethren.
• Teachers should help children grow in obedience to God as they make decisions in life.
• Children should be allowed to serve God through their gifting and talents.

BSK uses a handbook and storyteller Bible to train volunteers on how to share Bible stories with children. Similarly, through the synergy of Churches and organizations, BSK developed a curriculum that is used in different classes among the Kenyan primary school-going children to facilitate scripture engagement and Christian Religious Studies. These materials are customized for every class, and they help children develop in their faith, and grow into faithful, mature, and responsible believers.

The teachers were taught through a simple way of storytelling from introduction, interactive Bible Story, conclusion, a reflection of the story for personal application, and prayer.

Here are some testimonies as shared;

 “When you know God, you grow spiritually as you seek God and with that knowledge you know who and why you are serving.” Tr. Winnie.

 “I should give children a chance to express and exploit their talents and gifting’s given by God.” Tr Martin.

 “Children can serve God at their level. My work is to support and encourage them to step forth and serve.” Tr Eric.

The teachers got an opportunity to creatively develop their props and narrating skills to demonstrate how they will be sharing the stories with the children.

We thank God for the opportunity to spread the good news to children through story telling. To participate in this programme, call us on 0719250559.