Training New Counselors
In the spring of 2010, seven women from North America returned to Africa to train counselors for the fifth consecutive year. Each year, these trainings continue to be revised as we learn more and more about Zambian culture and the challenges of the women there.
Due to the variety of local dialects, this year was unique in that women were asked to attend only if they considered themselves proficient in writing and speaking English. This helped training significantly, and women were able to absorb and learn even more.
In addition, the team of women traveled to areas outside Lusaka to conduct training. Just like in North America, the regional differences throughout Zambia are distinct, and traveling to these places allowed the women to better prepare the counselors they were training.
In 2010:
- Over 100 seasoned counselors were trained and encouraged in their work with the girls in their churches.
- Three two-day trainings were held for new counselors and over 200 women were trained.
- 26 new GEMS Clubs were started.
- Many of the oldest GEMS who have been attending club for a few years returned to be trained as CITs. In Lusaka, many of these girls are also attending a weekly Bible study to encourage each other and grow in their faith
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