October 20, 2011 – Alajuela, Costa Rica…Libna Stevens/IAD
Nearly 200 primary and secondary principals and educators from Central America recently met to strengthen their leadership skills, focus on the core philosophy of the Adventist message, and network together.
The special congress, which took place at Central American Adventist University in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from Sep. 23-26, 2011, gathered top church leaders and educators from all seven Central American countries to strengthen Adventist education in the region as well as provide the tools principals and educators need for effective management, organizers said.
“The Adventist educational system has particular requirements for educators and leaders to have in its institutions, and this event was so important to equip our principals and educators to acquire better leadership and management skills,” said Dr. Gamaliel Florez, education director for the church in Inter-America.
The event was part of the Inter-American Division’s (IAD) larger education strategy to improve its educational system.
“We want to ensure that our educators and administrators improve and develop effective management in our primary and secondary institutions,” explained Florez.
Inspiring and supporting the 178 Adventist school principals in attendance was also a major goal so that in turn the hundreds of teachers addressing 25,000 students can provide better Christian education.
As part of the congress, dozens of educators for grades K-12 prayed together and committed to forge ahead in making their schools a haven for their pupils. Dozens of educators were commissioned and given missionary credentials during a special ceremony.
Speakers included Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, Dr. John Wesley Taylor, associate education director for the Adventist world church, Dr. Elie Henry, executive secretary for IAD, Dr. Gamaliel Florez, education director for Inter-America, Fay Patterson associate director for the IAD, Dr. Ismael Castillo from Montemorelos University and Fabio Campuzano from Colombia Adventist University. Additional speakers included professors at the Adventist university in Costa Rica.
“We know that without a doubt our principals and educators who attended this council will have greater success in their administrative role,” added Florez. “We will continue to double our efforts on improving our primary and secondary schools throughout the region.”
According to Florez, similar leadership councils will take place throughout the territory in the coming months.
To learn more of the Adventist educational system in Inter-America, visit us at www.interamerica.org
