MD545/645: Ministry to Street Children (4 units)                                                       

Desiree Segura-April, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Children at Risk Winter 2005  Pasadena

Winter 2007 Pasadena

 

 

DESCRIPTION:

UNICEF estimates that there are 100 million street children. Given the scale of the crisis, how can Christians respond? This course will address the questions of who is a street child and why children are living and working on the streets. Students will gain a grasp of the key principles and basic tools needed to minister to street children. Through the analysis of case studies, students will understand the process of establishing an effective street children’s ministry. Students will also grapple with the issue of how Christians can make an impact on such a massive problem.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· Knowledge of the critical issues facing street children.

· Understand the key principles and basic tools required for ministry to street children.

· Have a working strategic plan for the establishment of a street children’s project in a specific context.

 

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for a two-week intensive. Students will learn via presentations/lectures, media clips, discussion of reading materials, case study analysis, and small group exercises.

 

REQUIRED READING: (Required reading in each text will be identified in syllabus.)  If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Burch, Greg W. Community Children: A Ministry of Hope and Restoration for the Street Dwelling Child. Colombia: Latin America Mission (2005).
Ennew, Judith. Street and Working Children: A Guide to Planning. Revised and updated second edition. London: Save the Children, 2000.
International Catholic Child Bureau and UNESCO. Working with Street Children: Selected Case-Studies from Africa, Asia & Latin America. Paris, France:UNESCO (1995).
Kilbourn, Phyllis, Ed. Street Children: A Guide to Effective Ministry. Monrovia, CA:MARC Publications (1997).
Mickelson, Roslyn Arlin, Ed. Children on the Streets of the Americas: Globalization, Homelessness and Education in the United States, Brazil, and Cuba. New York: Routledge (2000).
Murray, Angela. Through the Eyes of a Street Child. Monarch Publications (2006).

Sexton, Andy and Phyllis Kilbourn. Offering Healing and Hope for Children in Crisis, A Crisis Care Curriculum, Module 2: Street Children. Fort Mill, SC:Crisis Care Training International (2006).
Course Reader.

 

RECOMMNEDED READING:

Anderson, Jeff, Ed. Restoring Children of the Streets: A Guide for Mobilizing an Equipping God’s People Around the World. Mountlake Terrace, WA: Action International Ministries (2001).
Butcher, Andy. Street Children. UK:Authentic Lifestyle (2003, 1996).
Byrne, Iain, The Human Rights of Street and Working Children: A Practical Manual for Advocates. London:Intermediate Technology Publications (1998).
Hecht, Tobias. At Home in the Street: Street Children of Northeast Brazil. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press (1998).
Kilbourn, Phyllis, Ed. Children in Crisis: A New Commitment. Monrovia, CA:MARC (1996).
Miles, Glenn and Josephine-Joy Wright, Eds. Celebrating Children: Equipping People Working with Children and Young People Living in Difficult Circumstances Around the World. UK:Paternoster Press (2003).
Speakman, Danielle. Nothing but a Thief: The Street and Her Children. Kent, UK: Sovereign World (2002).

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Four 4MAT reflection papers (1,000 words each) on required reading as indicated in syllabus (Two of these papers will be due on the first day of class).
2. An analysis of a case study (1500 words) that applies learning and tools.
3. A final project (3000-4000 words) researching one area of focus in ministry with street children and outlining a strategic plan for the establishment of a street children’s project in a specific context.
4. A reading log.
For ThM Students:

· An overall greater analytical depth will be expected on all writing assignments.

· Read an additional 250 pages and submit one additional 4MAT reflection paper (1,000 words).

· An extended annotated bibliography with the final research/integration paper.

 

PREREQUISITES: None, however, prior completion of MD543 Mission to Children at Risk is strongly advised.

RELATION TO THE CURRICULUM: Elective. Part of Children at Risk concentration.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: September 21, 2006