Connections

Avondale College students are giving up an hour of their free time each week to teach Scripture at a state primary school in Cooranbong.

"Scripture in schools," organised by several education and theology students, takes place at Cooranbong Public School for half an hour every Tuesday afternoon. The program, which began several years ago, encourages the students to sing, act, pray and share as part of a Bible lesson.

Education lecturer Lyndon Darko oversees the program and recognises its educational and spiritual importance. "This could be the only time these students read any of the Bible," he says. "You've got to take that opportunity."

Theresa le Roux teaches at the school and helps organise the program. She speaks of its popularity. "[The students] can't get enough of it," says Theresa. "Especially the singing. . . . It's really good to walk through the school and hear singing everywhere."

The Avondale students teach Scripture to three groups at the school--those in Kindergarten-Year 1, Years 2-4 and Years 5-6--and understand the significance of building relationships with each student. Darryl Groves, who is completing a Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Ministry, says the program makes it easier to invite the students to other events, such as a Vacation Bible School or a Storm Co.

Not all the students find teaching Scripture easy though. Bachelor of Education (early childhood) student Viki Cole says because the students have "opened up . . . sometimes it's hard for us to answer their questions in a way they'll understand."

The Avondale students aim simply to do their best. "We're representing Christ," says Viki. "That's basically what we're trying to do."