What I Can Do

 

The following is an attempt to suggest a variety of presentations that could possibly be used in a church/ house group/ fellowship group setting.  I have basic presentations already prepared, which will then be “customised” for each individual group/church.  Also this list is not exclusively the only presentations I can offer, as I welcome ideas from you and aim to produce whatever you wish.

 

South American Experience/Barn Dance

A South American Barn Dance is designed for the whole church, incorporating dance (60 mins), food (60 mins) and featuring an illustrated talk on a project/church/diocese in Latin America.     During the evening people learn and do simple dances from South America using South American dance steps and South American music.  Inter-dispersed throughout the dances is information and anecdotes relating to the country the dance comes from and also various activities specifically intended to include those people who do not wish to dance.  These activities are an essential part of the evening and many "older" people have commented to me that they really do help to make the event an enjoyable occasion for all tastes. 

Mid-way through the evening we have some food, (maybe from South America or however a church wants to organise this) and then, after the food, some further input on South America using PowerPoint slides, interviews, and/or videos followed by more dancing.

The room is decorated to create an ambience of South America with bunting, artefacts, photographs and literature about South America.  I am responsible for the decoration and I also bring my own equipment whilst the church is responsible for the venue and the food.

Please click here to view photos of this event

Length of time:  2.5 hours (+ 2.5 hours to set-up, approx 2 hours to dismantle).

Community Cohesion

“We invited Richard to come to Ingrave Johnstone School to help the children develop their awareness of life beyond the small village in which they live. We were attracted by the range of activities which the children would be able to participate in - and we were not disappointed.

Our children were literally buzzing with excitement as they readily recounted their experiences to each other. The day started with a very lively assembly with all the children, even the very youngest, actively engaged. Then there were age-appropriate opportunities for all the children to take part in throughout the day.

I would highly recommend Richard's workshop to you - education like it really should be!”

Ann Robinson  Headteacher, Ingrave Johnson Primary School, Essex

  

"Richard Crofts visited our school for a half day workshop and assembly.

I wanted to introduce the Year 4 class to Africa, our focus was Uganda as we are looking to make links with a school there and Richard provided a very comprehensive, well balanced introduction for us.

We were introduced to African music, art, dancing, costume, myths, their way of life and the wildlife and Richard was able to tailor his resources and experiences towards the focus we required. I was very impressed.

The sessions were thoughtfully planned, varied and entertaining and my class thoroughly enjoyed it."

S. Pinkerton, Hayfield Primary School, Derbyshire

  

"Richard visited Greswell on Monday 11th February. His remit was to help deliver our culural diversity topic "Argentina."

He arrived early and spent quite some time ensuring his session was ready for the arrival of the children and very thoroughly resourced.

Firstly he led an interactive assembly for our Upper Key Stage 2 children, which introduced the topic clearly.

After this he carried out four workshops for year 5 and 6. These were fantastically interactive and educated the children about the Argentinean way of life whilst keeping them engaged through dances, musical instruments and the clothing worn by the traditional Argentineans.

Our children were engaged and enthused by these sessions and they have opened up avenues for the teachers to explore during the rest of the week."

John Cooper Deputy Head – Greswell Primary School, Denton, Tameside

 

“The children from St.Mary's had a wonderful day when Richard came in to lead workshops based on Africa and South America.  The workshops were fantastically led and all children gained first hand experience about life in these continents. They sung, danced, played instruments, dressed up and listened to stories about different lifestyles.

 

We would welcome Richard back to lead other workshops during our International Week!”

Tonia Dalton - St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

 

 

South American Workshop

Designed for children/young people the workshop is a “tour” of South America visiting various countries incorporating dance, facts, touching and wearing artefacts from Latin America e.g. ponchos, hats, “maté” cups and many other items.

  • Where is South America?
  • History of South America 
  • Indigenous People groups 
  • Deforestation and land rights
  • Jungles of South America
  • Customs & Lifestyle
  • Travel through South America
  • Animals of South America 
  • Life through children's eyes
  • Stories & Proverbs of South America 
  • Traditional South American dress
  • Music & Dance
  • Languages
  • Traditional South American foods

  • Please click here to view photos of this workshop

    Length of time needed: 30 mins – 60 mins/group

     

    Sub-Sahara Africa Workshop

    Using dancing, singing, artefacts, PowerPoint and an interactive approach, people/children are engaged with the culture of East Africa.

    Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

    • Where is Africa?
    • History of Africa
    • Different tribes
    • Customs & Lifestyle
    • Animals of Africa
    • Travel through Africa
    • Life through children's eyes
    • Stories & Proverbs of Africa
    • Traditional African clothes
    • Music & Dance
    • Basic Swahili - Languages
    • Traditional African foods

    Please click here to view photos of this workshop

     

    East Asia Workshop

    Using dancing, singing, artefacts, PowerPoint and an interactive approach, people/children are engaged with and given a taster of the culture of East Asia.

     Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

    • Where is East Asia?
    • History of East Asia
    • Different people groups 
    • Customs & Lifestyle
    • Travel through East Asia
    • Animals of East Asia 
    • Life through children's eyes
    • Stories & Proverbs of East Asia 
    • Traditional Dress
    • Music & Dance

     Please click here to view photos of this workshop


  • Cross-Cultural Experience

    This is based on coca growing in Bolivia and is designed as an event in which people examine cultural identity.  It identifies a problem and, through various interactive methods, it raises awareness of cross-cultural issues.

    Length of time:  60 mins

     

    Bible Translation 1

    The process involved in producing the Bible in another language.  Based on the translation of the New Testament into Enxet in Paraguay.

    Length of time:  45 mins

    Bible Translation 2

    A passage of scripture is translated from an Amerindian perspective and the reasons for translating in such a way. Based on the Wichi indigenous people's of Argentina.

    Length of time: 45 mins

    Love Your Local Missionary

    Pressures facing missionaries and how we, from afar, can help them.  Practical suggestions on how individuals can better support mission partners.  Based on my own 25 years experience overseas.

    Length of time: 60 mins

     

    What is mission?

    Examining what “mission” is and how it affects every church member.

    Length of time: 60 mins

     

    Country topics

    Individual countries featured with slides in an interactive way.  Most countries in Africa, Asia and South America can be covered.

    Length of time: 30-60 mins depending on what the group require

     

    An overview of South America

    Based on 14 years involvement with South America, the lively presentation uses a variety of media to engage, enlighten and enthuse.

    Length of time: 30 mins

     

    An overview of Africa

    Based on 25 years involvement with Africa and specifically Tanzania, the lively presentation uses a variety of media to engage, enlighten and enthuse.

    Length of time: 30 mins

     

    An overview of East Asia

    Based on experience and involvement with East Asia, the lively presentation uses a variety of media to engage, enlighten and enthuse.

    Length of time: 30 mins

     

    Church growth in Latin America

    What is causing the church to grow in South America.  Can the methods used be a model for church growth in the UK?

    Using PowerPoint slides and interaction with the group.

    Length of time: 30 minutes

     

    Consultancy

    a)   How to organise and run a mission event in your local church by yourself

    b)   Creative prayer – how to make prayer meetings interesting and ideas for liturgical prayer in church taken from the World Church

    c)   Biblical basis for mission

    d)   Fund raising

    e)   The changing face of mission

    f)    Mission Audit – does your church have a mission policy?  How can a church get the most out of its mission/overseas links

    Length of time for each: 30 mins

     

    Sermons/talks in church

    Biblically based with illustrations from the World Church both verbally and through visual images.

     

    NB    All timings can be altered to suit the church.

    All presentations are individually tailored to a group’s requirements.