Prepared for presentation to MANI 2011Africa Consultation : the Blessings, the

Challenges and the Opportunities!on

Children and Youth (The 4 – 14 Window):

The Least Reached People Group in Africa

Abuja, September 5 to 9 2011

Million Terefe Gobena, CDTRC, Ethiopia Delegate

Part one : Our AfricaPart one : Our Africa

Our Africa!Our Africa!The cradle of

human lifeThe home of

shining waterfalls , beautiful flamingos, the best and all of nature!

Our Africa!Our Africa!Whose womb is

filled with precious stones like diamonds, gold and silver,

Great minerals like platinum, copper and iron ore

Rich oil reserves

Great peopleGreat peopleEstimated at 967 million people

400 million (42 percent) under the age of 15

Projected to reach 1.9 billion by 2050 and to account for 21 percent of world population

And yet---And yet---It is a continent:

◦ Where poverty, in many cases abject poverty, reigns

◦Where the forces of diseases rampage it unabated

◦Ignorance and illiteracy are in abundance

◦More over, women and children are the most abused .

Our greatest challengeOur greatest challenge

Our greatest challenge remains, how to transform those rich natural and human resources for the benefit of the people of Africa.

The need to focus on The 4 The need to focus on The 4 – 14 Window– 14 Window

Children are malleable- The bible and human knowledge agree fully on this

Statistics show 4/14 Window are most numerous

Longevity- Live longer and therefore impact longer

Agents of transformation- children have been and can be agents of transformation

Part twoPart two

The way man looks at the young

The human view children The human view children and youthand youth“There is still the youngest, but

he is tending the sheep” (Jesse about David1 sam.16:11)“

Thus, there is no greatest mistake than seeing only a child in a child

Part threePart three

The way God looks at children and the young

God’s perception of God’s perception of childrenchildrenChildren deserve the time and

attention of the Most High (Mark 10:14)

They deserve the central place (Mt. 18:2)

God hears the cry of children (Gen. 21:17)

Used as model for greatness (Mt.18)

Models for how to enter the Kingdom of God

God’s perception cont’dGod’s perception cont’dAre useful instruments:

Their services are accepted

◦Samuel served God as a child (1Sam. 3:1)

◦ Out of the mouths of babes you shall raise praises Ps. 8:2

God’s perception cont’dGod’s perception cont’d

Children are God’s language of love to the world. Pure love which is extended to others without expecting a return of one form or another is mainly found in the realm of God. Children can be said to be the only ones who “humanize” such love.

Part four:Part four:Need for Children's MinistryNeed for Children's MinistryEthiopian Church Leaders Ethiopian Church Leaders resolveresolve

Things have to change in Ethiopia

The church is uniquely positioned to make a significant contribution

The church has to play a more Proactive role on its own and in partnership with others

Ethiopian Church Leaders Ethiopian Church Leaders cont’dcont’dThus called for the establishment of a

body to spearhead the efforts of the transformation.

The Local Church and Children as

vital instruments for transformation

The Child Development Training and Research Center (CDTRC) Officially launched July 2007

VisionVision

Vision, Mission of the CDTRC

The vision of the CDTRC is to see a new generation of Ethiopians that are disciples of Christ, lead exemplary lives and become sources of transformation of Ethiopia and beyond

Threats to Ethiopia’s Future Threats to Ethiopia’s Future

Identified major challenges facing the Ethiopian society are:

Environmental degradation

Ethnic conflict/tribalism

Low level of democratic culture

Poverty

Threats cont’dThreats cont’d

Weakness in the area of good governance

Low level of appreciation and understanding of human and children’s rights

Poor hygiene and sanitation

Why the local church?Why the local church?Reasons for focusing on Ethiopia’s local

churches:

Exists in all parts of the country- over 40,000 evangelicals and 80,000 Orthodox local churches

Composed of all peoples, tongues, nations and nationalities within the country

Faces the challenges and has the solutions

Major Target GroupsMajor Target GroupsMajor target groups of the CDTRC

Children Sunday school teachers

Church and theological school leaders

Government officials

Para church child focused

organizations

Parents and potential parents

School teachers

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Ministry FocusMinistry FocusThe CDTRC:

Conducts training programs for children

of SS teachers, children ministry

workers, churches, child focused NGOs,

government and community leaders

Prepares teaching and training

materials for children’s ministry

Acts as advocate for children

Concluding remarksConcluding remarksTo spearhead the efforts of

transformation, (for the Blessings, the Challenges and the opportunities) in Africa, the issue of children takes central place .

That undertakes the fulfillment of the Great Commission and Discipeling the Nations

It is only then the Generation models the kingdom of God to prevail on this Planet.

Discussion QuestionDiscussion Question

How best can we mobilize our local Churches potentials towards shaping the Youth & children in Africa?

Thank you! Thank you!

&&

May God Bless Africa!!May God Bless Africa!!