“For me, the Challenge has
raised a whole mix of emotions: anger, sadness, joy and delight. As
ripples spread outwards from a small pebble thrown into a pond, the
vision that education can do the same to improve young lives is
being practised successfully at Tileagd. It is humbling and a
privilege to have been part of this, even if only for a short
time. The smiles on the faces of everyone, children and adults, will
remain with me always.”
Mags
“It’s been a
busy and humbling three days on the Educational Challenge and
working alongside the Romanian teaching staff has been a privilege.
They each have a clear commitment and love for their children,
and it was wonderful to see such a love for learning being
encouraged amongst such poor pupils. Tileagd Community School is
raising the aspirations of young people and giving hope to a
community that once had no hope. I pray that God continues to guide
and support the school as it works to serve His children.”
Lynne
“As a head teacher I am
not often lost for words. However, this Educational Challenge
has been a professional development experience that defies
explanation! I have been amazed and touched by the commitment and
love demonstrated by every member of staff. They are creating an
environment where every child feels cherished and valued. Each pupil
knows that they are unique and special for who they are and where
they have come from. The children want to learn, they love to learn
and are excited about learning - and so they learn with amazing
results. What I have seen and experienced I wish I could capture,
bottle and take back to my school!”
Mandy
“Amazing!
Is the word I would use to sum up this fantastic experience. As my
first Educational Challenge, it has been an absolute privilege and
honour to be part of such a wonderful organisation and project.
I have felt truly touched by the work Smiles is doing and the impact
it is having on so many lives. There have been so many highlights
and I will always remember the excitement, happiness and smiles of
both the teachers and the children. It is clear to see how much they
love each other and the school. As a teacher it has been a pleasure
to be involved in such a brilliant school, with a fantastic team.
This was an experience I will never forget!”
Sarah
“I am delighted
that I accepted the invitation to take part in the Educational
Challenge. As I do not come from a teaching background, comparisons
are harder to make between the two educational systems. However, it
didn’t take me long to see what really mattered to everyone involved
- the passion for the children and the hope that they will grow in
ability and confidence and enjoy the education they receive. The
teachers from both Romania and the UK can take pride in the
important roles they play in the lives of the children. Through this
experience I have gained a great deal of respect for the teaching
profession and fully enjoyed seeing the children work and play so
happily together. The school is a special place and I am so proud
and privileged to have been a part of it!”
Lizzie
“I have had an
amazing three days. From the moment we turned into Cihei I felt like
I had come ‘home’. On arrival at school we were greeted by friends
giving us ‘real’ hugs. I cannot believe the difference two years
have made. The teaching in school is superb and it is evident
that the teachers not only love their work, but love the children
too - and that the children in turn love their teachers. The
work done is now designed to meet the needs of individual pupils and
standards are a credit to both teachers and students. I am both
honoured and privileged to be part of such a great team, whose main
aim is to educate these very special children and to help them
achieve their full potential. The children work with smiles on their
faces. The vision is working.”
Sheena
It was a
pleasure to lead this Challenge in partnership with Delia and Clara,
our two directors. I am proud of them, their staffs, teaching
and non-teaching, and of course the children. I believe, too, that
our UK visitors very quickly formed a genuine bond, offering
friendship and mutual support and sharing their experience,
expertise and love. They have clearly helped to ‘make a
difference’. All of us will remember the 2009 Educational Challenge,
which has changed hearts and minds.
