A New Chapter in Teacher Training

A New Chapter in Teacher Training

Over the past year, EduDeo Ministries has been working on reimagining our Walking Together program.  Walking Together is a cornerstone initiative that equips educators around the world to lead Christ-centered learning in their communities. The program is currently being reshaped to better serve our international partners and empower the Learning Leaders who deliver the program with tools that are both structured and adaptable. 

A Collaborative Effort 

This summer, the EduDeo office in Ontario became a hub for passionate educators to begin the design process for these changes. Laurie Koning, Walking Together Design Lead, invited volunteer educators (mostly Ontario-based, with one Learning Leader joining from Guatemala) to three intensive, two-day curriculum-writing sessions. 

The focus? Building foundational modules on: 

• Restorative Pedagogy  

• Student Holistic Development 

• Student Assessment & Evaluation 

One participant shared this reflection after the writing sessions. “Learning from others and sharing their ideas, along with sharing our faith in Jesus and renewing our understanding of Christ-centered education, fills us with purpose.” 

Why the Change? 

As EduDeo seeks to reach more communities with the Gospel, we’ve recognized the need for a more scalable and sustainable approach.  The new direction introduces a core curriculum—a structured set of modules that Learning Leaders can use as a foundation. This shift allows for: 

• Increased consistency across workshops and countries 

• Clarity for Learning Leaders, especially when transitioning between facilitators 

• Contextualization, ensuring local relevance while maintaining core values 

Laurie explains, "We’re so excited about these core materials because they bring unity and clarity to Walking Together. They give Learning Leaders a shared starting point and path forward, while still leaving space for local voices and creativity to shine. It’s a beautiful blend of structure and contextual freedom.” 

A Trainer-of-Trainers Model 

Another exciting component of this project is the move toward a Trainer-of-Trainers model. This approach focuses on equipping key leaders who will then train others within their own communities. It’s a model that respects local expertise, encourages contextualization, and allows for broader, more sustainable impact. 

Already, the new curriculum has been field-tested in Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Ghana, and Indonesia—with promising results. While feedback from partners is still emerging, Learning Leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the clarity and empowerment the new structure brings. 

What’s Next? 

The outcomes of the curriculum writing intensives include rough drafts of workshop designs for four modules. Some will be refined and sent back for feedback, while others may require further collaboration. As Laurie notes, “The curriculum is just one part of the changes we’re making within Walking Together and how it’s done.” 

As the program continues to evolve, we remain committed to walking alongside our partners—listening, learning, and growing together. 

A Shared Vision 

Ultimately, Walking Together is about empowering educators to be leaders of change in their schools and nations. And it’s about ensuring that every child, worldwide, has access to quality, Christ-centered education. Your support allows EduDeo to continue to innovate to ensure that programs offered are used to maximum effectiveness for teachers we work alongside.