Celebrating Children was developed by Viva Network by a consortium of trainers and practitioners for Christians working in childcare in NGO's and churches.
The course is both practical and academic and is designed to equip people to work more effectively with children living in difficult circumstances of loss, trauma and abuse.
Over 16 different groups or institutions a number of different nations have now ran a Celebrating Children training course. Around 500 students having now completed the course. The course has been offered at a tertiary level by Fuller Seminary, University of the Nations, Moorlands College, and others. Tearfund Cambodia, YWAM Colombia and Kid's Alive Kenya have provided training to professionals and practitioners already involved in children's work.
The name Ceebrating Children was chosen to emphasise that work with children should not focus on them as problems but rather be a celebration of who children are and what God intends them to be. The words "celebrating children" can be understood in three ways:
- Our celebration of children for who they are : precious and valuable because they are made in the image of God.
- Children celebrating because the are everything God intended them to be
- Children coming to a place where they can celebrate and worship at God's throne
Employing Graduates of the Celebrating Children Course
Please note, whlist graduates from the Celebrating Children course will have training in child protection it is recommended that employers do a thorough screening of all staff to ensure they do not have a previous record of child abuse. Previous employers should be contacted by phone and asked if they have any concerns about the person in question regarding the way they have worked with children before contracts are signed.