"We are not here to build schools like others have done in the past, but we are here to train teachers."

This is the message from Bert Witvoet, one of eight Canadian volunteers, who is involved with the training of 94 teachers from various Christian schools from the province. The conference and training of these teachers are taking place at the Ingwe Ranch Hotel between Makhado (Louis Trichardt) and Musina.

According to Bert, former teacher, principal and editor of a weekly paper, the training of these teachers will consist of a four-day conference. After the conference, Bert and the other volunteers, also retired teachers and principals, will stay on for another five weeks to work with some of these teachers inside their classrooms.

The teachers who are attending the conference consist of teachers from Christian schools and a number of 10 schools is represented at the conference, most of whom are from the former Venda.

According to Bert, he and his fellow Canadians went all over Canada, asking companies to provide financial aid. This conference is funded by money raised from Canada, meaning the conference, transport and accommodation are already paid for.

Bert said that he and the rest of the Canadian team are here to put a biblical view into the teaching of knowledge. Teachers are expected to integrate their faith into their teachings and convey the message that God is everywhere and in everything.

The conference will consist of three workshops, namely the foundation, which is from grade one to four, intermediate and senior groups. Bert’s aim is to get South African learners discussing and interacting with each other, taking part in group activities. He said that research done showed that 10% of people remember what they hear, while 50% remember discussions and about 90% remember something acted out in drama.

Bert said that Christianity is a big thing in South Africa and that they predict it will become even bigger. According to him, South Africa will be the country bringing the gospel back to Canada.

Mr Wilson Mandenede, principal of the theocentric Christian College at Masia Village, said that he and other teachers and principals are very excited. According to him, this conference means a lot to them as it is the first of its kind in the vicinity.