We're off to a great start with the Pathway program in Bucharest. We've been thinking, hoping and working to bring this program here for over a year. It's been thrilling to see it going and how it is already beginning to impact people's lives in a positive way.
People are making great sacrifices to participate. One of our most active students is a single mother who travels 3 hours each way to be at the weekly gathering meetings. She is thrilled at the opportunity to get an education. Many have had to get special permission to flex their work hours. Most come straight from work and are willing to give up their evening meal. Of course, Jacque always insists that we provide water and snacks!
People are making great sacrifices to participate. One of our most active students is a single mother who travels 3 hours each way to be at the weekly gathering meetings. She is thrilled at the opportunity to get an education. Many have had to get special permission to flex their work hours. Most come straight from work and are willing to give up their evening meal. Of course, Jacque always insists that we provide water and snacks!
Pathway, offered through BYU-Idaho, enables people from all over the world to get a 4-year education in an economical and flexible way. For many in our class, this is the only way that college would be even remotely possible. I have also been impressed that many of the teaching methods and objectives are similar to a program at work with almost the same name (Pathways). Both programs employ powerful adult teaching techniques that encourage individual preparation, active participation and engaging students in many different ways (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic/touch).
This type of education is different that what they've experienced so far in their lives. They have class peers and English speaking partners. They are accountable to turn in assignments each week on Wednesday and Saturday. Each of them will have the opportunity to facilitate one of the classes during the semester. Some are struggling with the new concepts and methods, but they are open minded and optimistic. We are pleased to report that most of our class has grades in the mid to high 90's. Even the two that struggle with English the most are doing well. We know these are the future leaders in their communities and congregations.
This type of education is different that what they've experienced so far in their lives. They have class peers and English speaking partners. They are accountable to turn in assignments each week on Wednesday and Saturday. Each of them will have the opportunity to facilitate one of the classes during the semester. Some are struggling with the new concepts and methods, but they are open minded and optimistic. We are pleased to report that most of our class has grades in the mid to high 90's. Even the two that struggle with English the most are doing well. We know these are the future leaders in their communities and congregations.