A picture with a convincing message
Media experts have known the truth of this statement for more than a century: a highly impressive picture is invaluable. Andre Bacher took the above photo at the most recent “leaving Kindergarten and embarking on one’s school career” celebration. Christian Bigalke tells a story. And, as so often with children, not of all them listen carefully. But spoken words have a far greater effect on the children’s hearts than a perfectly made video with all its pictures and sound effects. I wish that this Christmas all parents, aunts and grandfathers tell their children about the story that happened in Bethlehem. Authentically, lovingly and excited. God became human and was born as a baby in a manger. A Christmas which is stripped of the message of faith can consist only of a bit of family and a lot of commerce. And that is why we sit down with children in our group, look lovingly at them and say the well-known words: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…”. /KDJ
But what happened a week ago in the sports hall of the Diospi Suyana School? Sandra Bacher reports.
Last Saturday we had the “leaving Kindergarten and embarking on one’s school career” celebration. Unlike as in Germany – where the start of one’s school career is celebrated – the Peruvians celebrate the end of one’s time in Kindergarten. The Promoción celebration was made up of videos about the children’s time in the Kindergarten and songs that the children had specifically learnt. Furthermore, every child was given a personal and lovingly-chosen verse from their respective teacher.
Another part was a story about a mole that Christian Bigalke read. The mole had to leave his meadow and build up his life afresh on a new meadow. He explained to the children beautifully that they had lived on a wonderful kindergarten meadow for the past three years and that now a new meadow – the school’s – is waiting for them. Teachers and friends are already looking forward to welcoming the new pupils at the school.
Then the parents collectively prayed for their children and the Promoción photos were distributed, before everyone enjoyed a special lunch together. The celebration was a lovely review of the children’s time in Kindergarten and a little preview to their start at school.
The teachers invested a lot of heart and love in the children over the past three years. Surely each child’s time in the Diospi Suyana Kindergarten was a great blessing. /SB
