GenR8 Vision
The vision of GenR8 is to visit every primary school-aged child in Cambridgeshire.
GenR8 has 3 main objectives
i) To present Christian values and themes in a fun, lively, relevant and educational way to primary school-aged children
ii) To work in partnership with local Churches in building positive relationships with local primary schools
iii) To enable and equip local Christian volunteers
GenR8 Objectives
i) To present Christian values and themes in a fun, lively, relevant and educational way to primary school aged children.
GenR8 is concerned that the vast majority of children don't attend churches, or clubs and groups associated with church. Much has been made of the statistics over the past decade, and it's generally accepted that 92% of children and young people don't have any connection with church, but the vast majority do attend school!
GenR8 recognises the significant opportunity we have in this country to be involved appropriately in the life of schools, to share Christian values, and themes in a fun, lively, relevant and educational way.
GenR8 presentations are prepared in line with primary learning objectives, and accompanied by a worksheet of ideas giving schools the opportunity to follow up ideas & themes in further assemblies or lessons.
"GenR8 has delivered assemblies to 350 children in our school with ages between 5 and 11. They have a variety of approaches to their theme thus ensuring the message is fully received by all. Their assemblies are well paced and use a variety of styles ensuring 100% attendance by all - including adults!! ... Highly recommended"
Primary Head teacher
"You could tell how well the children enjoyed the presentation by the look on their faces!"
Head Teacher
“I thought the content and delivery were absolutely brilliant. The rapport with the children was terrific.”
Governor, TA and a mum!
ii) To work in partnership with local Churches in building positive relationships with local primary schools.
Where possible GenR8 seeks to work in partnership with members of the local Christian community. GenR8 seeks to be sensitive and aware that Churches may already have a good working relationship with their local school.
GenR8 seeks to act as a resource and partner with local Churches. Members of the local churches often accompany us into school. More recently this link with local Churches has been further developed through the provision of training opportunities for Churches in children's work.
"The school does not have many Christian visitors...it was very encouraging to have GenR8 come in and offer such a positive programme."
Local Anglican Vicar
iii) Enabling and equipping local Christian volunteers.
At the heart of GenR8 are the volunteers. GenR8 believes despite the increasing number of people at work, there are people who have the time and motivation to be involved as volunteers. Most GenR8 members would feel unable to be involved in school on their own, but as a team member they can gain confidence and help each other to make the most of their skills and talents.
GenR8 does not seek to encourage people out of local church involvement, rather volunteers are actively encouraged to continue serving in other groups and clubs. The evidence is that participation in GenR8 has equipped people to serve more ably, through the discovery of new skills and talents, as well as finding encouragement in sharing with like minded people.
"There is a great team spirit in GenR8 and it is a privilege to be part of the group. It has been helpful to see how others present Christian principles to children. Being part of a team has enabled me to learn and take part in exciting and fast moving activities."
Jenny
GenR8 Ethos
Partnership
GenR8 aims to be a three-way partnership with schools and local churches. We believe it is important for children and staff to see that what we do is part of the local Christian community.
Ecumenical
GenR8 actively seeks to work ecumenically and is open to volunteers of all Christian denominations. Schools often appreciate an ecumenical approach, and it sends out a positive message that Christians are working together.
Teamwork
Working on your own has immense value, but when people come together as a team it can be ‘value added'. It's not just that two heads are better than one, or that ideas tend to flow more freely, there's something special about people coming together with a shared vision. One of the benefits of being part of the GenR8 team has been the laughter, friendship and mutual support that has arisen through working together.