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Lay Missionary Preparatory Programme

"You can clearly see the absolute importance of organisations like Viatores Christi and the vast difference in volunteers that have done some sort of preparation course as opposed to the ones that haven't, they settle in much faster, are more likely to do their full term, more tolerant of others cultures, less critical, etc"- words of one of our volunteers, during his sixth year of volunteering overseas.   

 

Conditions of Entry

• Entry to the programme can only occur only after attending an information session.
• Trainees must be 21 years of age or over (if not yet 21 we can refer you to other voluntary associations)
• Trainees are expected to attend all weekend workshops.
• As part of the preparation programme, it will be necessary to become involved in voluntary work. 
• The trainee is expected to work in partnership with the process and to undertake any extra preparation that may be recommended.
• Completion of the programme does not commit the trainee to going overseas.

Content

The programme is a series of six weekend workshops, delivered once a month over a six month period.  Experienced professionals, some of whom have spent time working on the missions / overseas, facilitate the workshops.

The topics covered in the programme include:

• Community Development and Leadership
• Challenge, Commitment and Conflict
• Church and Spirituality
• Cultural Adaptation
• Other Religions
• Health
• Holistic Health
• Global Awareness
• Social Justice
• Home Mission                                                                      

Trainees are gradually enabled to make a more informed decision as to whether or not overseas work is the option for them.  They become better informed about the actual reality of working as a lay missionary development worker. 

Each weekend workshop session begins on Fridays at 8pm and ends on Sundays after lunch.

 

Schedule of programmes for 2010 -2011

Global Awareness                                      15 - 17  January 2010

Community Development & Leadership    12 - 14  February 2010

Challenge Committment & Conflict            12 - 14  March  2010

Mission                                                        16 - 18  April  2010

Health                                                         14 - 16  May 2010

Cultural Adaptation                                    11 - 13  June  2010

Challenge Committment & Conflict           17 - 19  September 2010

Cultural Adaptation                                    15 - 17  October 2010   

Health                                                         12 - 14  November 2010

Mission                                                        10 -12   December 2010

Global Awareness                                      14 - 16  January 2011

Community Development & Leadership    11 - 13  February 2011

Challenge Committment & Conflict            11 - 13  March  2011

Mission                                                        08 - 10  April  2011

Health                                                         13 - 15  May 2011

Cultural Adaptation                                    10 - 12  June  2011

                                                                    

New Programme Commences Weekend of 17-19 September 2010