2004

During his eighth week stay, Japheth worked side by side with Mrs. Howard and many other junior high and high school teachers, observing various teaching strategies which will be taken back to Tanzanian school teachers.

Using the observations and experiences of our visitor, Becky has worked with Japheth to develop specific lessons that will transfer to the needs in Tanzanian schools. Mrs. Howard will be traveling to Tanzania this summer for five weeks starting July 5th, to complete the second half of this project. She and Japheth will participate in workshops with other American teachers and their counterpart Tanzanian educators to assist in the development of integrated interactive lesson plans that can be used in the Tanzania schools.

Along with the development of various teaching methods, the strong relationships and growth of understanding among the twenty (20) cooperating teachers from eight area schools was a valued result of the program. Teachers from McTigue, DeVeaux, Byrnedale, Bowsher, and Rogers (Toledo) , Northview and Southview (Sylvania) , and Ottawa Hills High School hosted Japheth during his eight week visit.

In addition to the learning exchange among teachers, more than ten church visits and a meeting with the synod’s Global Mission Committee were arranged to broaden our synod’s congregational understanding of their mission to the Aya Secondary School project. Mr. Laibon brought greetings and words of appreciation for the support given by Northwest Ohio Lutheran Churches to the Aya school program.

Thank you to the participating churches and especially to those who generously supported this valuable project, The Mwangaza Teacher Exchange. Our synod has plans to participate in the next project scheduled for the spring of 2007.

Committee chair
Charles Atkins