Three Ways to Give toward Our K-12 Educational Initiatives this Season

We're kicking off our #GreatGain giving campaign this Giving Tuesday with three essential causes: Biblical Education in the Developing World, Global K-12 Education, and Sustainable Christ-Centered Community Building.

We'll hope you'll take a moment to listen to (or read) GOD Int'l founder Gregg Garner as he talks about the heart behind our global K-12 Education cause this year.

The following is a transcript version of the video linked above.

Another opportunity that we have for you this Christmas season is this chance to be able to support our educational initiatives, specifically for kids from kindergarten to what we would have as the equivalent of 12th grade.

Now, how do we do this? There are three different ways that we are participating in the education of this specific demographic.

The first is through our Academy home education program. What this does is it gives to students, no matter where they're at around the world, the opportunity to become remote learners in the classroom.

With Academy students here in Nashville, our classrooms are outfitted in such a way that the technology allows for a student from Uganda to literally sit in the classroom virtually by being on a TV screen, of which then there's this camera that follows the speaker. There's multiple frames on the camera. One is on the teacher, one is on the students. And the student abroad could be heard through the television and participate in the same way that students in the classroom are able to be heard by the student abroad. And it happens all in real time time. We coordinate this with our various regions so that these young people get the type of education that we are offering at the Academy.

If you don't know about what God's done with the Academy for GOD, let me tell you a few things. In the last 12 years, not only have we been one of the more awarded schools in the local Nashville area, everything from best private school, the best elementary school, and best secondary school, we've been blessed to be recognized along these lines. But also now, as a Cognia accredited school, we were recently awarded with Cognia's highest distinction award. And this was an award given to about 50 schools where in the running there was about 2,000 schools. And we are one of those because they saw that the type of education that we're offering is in many ways the future for a lot of educational institutions who are willing to go in this direction. So what we have is a very quality product. In fact, it was so quality that during the time of COVID we launched this internationally because a lot of our young people who were around the world, their schools shut down, even some of them indefinitely. Others for a couple years at a time. In fact, there was a time during COVID that the only kid getting educated in one of our countries was a kid who was a remote learner for the Academy home education curriculum. But during that time, when some of our students got to participate in that and then their schools opened back up, we had to have a meeting with all those students, parents, because they said, can you please keep this going for us?

Because our kids are thriving, they are loving school, they are producing work like we haven't seen them been able to produce. It is such a good experience for them. Is it possible that you could keep it going even though schools have opened up and we had to get together and say, gosh, this is a pretty amazing thing, that they would trade in a virtual experience over and above them actually going to their respective schools. And since that time, it's been a couple years now, not only have we kept the program going, but we've actually graduated several students this year. In fact, we're going to graduate three more students from the academy home education program in East Africa alone.

We are wanting to make this more available to various families and students who are capable of participating in this type of educational curriculum. So the first opportunity you have is to help a scholarship, these international young people into an innovative educational opportunity specifically for junior high and high school.

The second opportunity that we have is with our brick and mortar school. I'm so happy to announce that we have our first international brick and mortar Academy for GOD. And it is located in Uganda. At this point, we've started with just a kindergarten class and we've got about 50 kindergarten kids. But we want to be expanding that a few grades every year. We're going to need your help.

It's not super expensive to be able to do this, but without your help, we're not able to give the quality education that these kids deserve. Now, it's not the same education that they get here at the Academy. Contextually, it doesn't work. It's more similar to what they might get within their relatively proximity institutions. Schools they could have gone to. But the difference is in two things: One, the teachers that we're hiring are legitimately people who care and who are ministerial minded and who recognize what they're doing is not just a job, but a calling. The second thing is that this school has within it a biblical curriculum.

In the same way, at the Academy we focus on these five pillars or these categories of learning. The academic, the social, the emotional, the moral and the spiritual, which permeates all of it. That same philosophy is taking place in Uganda at this Academy, starting with kindergarten. And these kids are going to become biblically literate kids as they go through the program at large. We're really believing and hoping that as we expand a couple grades every year, that we're going to see the fruit of this type of biblical education in that community. Because these kids deserve the best and we want to give them the best. So Your help is going to help us, one, make sure that we've got the right kind of personnel, the right kind of teachers, and so that they're adequately compensated.

Third, that we're able to make sure that our kids have the best supplies to make sure that they're able to fulfill expectations related to classwork. So we're talking about backpacks and uniforms and shoes and all of the stationery that they need to make it happen. Finally, we also want to bring about the kind of training that makes it so that the school is not just like every other school in the area, but it's indeed a school that shares the biblical philosophy that we have here at the Academy.

So in review, first, we've got students who are capable of attending the Academy for GOD, junior high and high school remotely online. And they need help being able to do that. Your money will help us outfit them with an iPad. It'll help us scholarship the experience so that we are effectively stewarding the resources and making sure these guys get the best education. But also at our brick and mortar school, one of many to come, we're able to now fund the operations of that school. And I'm so excited for you to see some of the footage of what's going to be happening over there. It's a real, real powerful, wonderful thing.

Finally, we also have an after school supplemental biblical education program for kids who are between the ages of 10 and 20 years old. And this takes place within the context of various schools in these different countries. So let's say, for example, Kenya. In Kenya we work with over 100 schools. And in these different schools we have these breakout groups. And these breakout groups create several hundred breakout groups. Usually they're about the size of 25. And we have on the ground leaders who then are teaching after school Bible programs. And we need your help to make sure that they have the resources to be able to do this. You see, while these kids are going to public schools, they are learning a bunch of subject matter, but they are not learning the word of God. And in the way that we're able to teach it and the way that our people on the ground are able to teach it. And it's that word of God that is going to open up their minds and get them to become the kind of people that bring about transformation for their communities at large. We need your help to be able to supply that after school educational resource for these communities of kids in these various schools.

So in review one more time, you've got 1) an opportunity to help a scholarship junior high and high school students into the Academy Home Education remote learning program. 2) You can help us to build up our first international brick and Mortar Academy for GOD in Uganda by sponsoring kids going to school their supplies and helping us train teachers and provide teachers and then finally 3) our after school Bible curriculum that is implemented by our different leaders in these various communities who are going to the public schools, breaking them into groups and teaching the Word of God. You have the opportunity to be able to invest in this way and this is going to be great gain for the Kingdom. Thank you so much. We really need your help, so go ahead and give.

Welcome to 2024-2025 at the Academy for GOD

Welcome to the Academy for GOD for the 2024-2025 school year! With our 12th year ahead, we are pleased to announce some new developments that promise to make this school year even more special. This year marks a significant milestone for us, as we have recently attained accreditation with Cognia and gained approval to become an ESA school in the state of Tennessee. This means that we can now offer educational savings accounts, providing students the opportunity to attend private school with greater financial flexibility.

We continue to provide a diverse range of educational programs to meet the needs of our students and families. Whether you are interested in our campus or homeschool programs, we offer something for everyone. Our hybrid options allow for a blend of on-campus and home learning, while our umbrella services provide support for families choosing to homeschool independently. Additionally, our remote learning program ensures that students can receive a high-quality education regardless of their location or context. 

We understand that our students are coming back from a variety of summer experiences. From family vacations to mission trips and service opportunities, each student brings unique experiences and perspectives into the new school year. To help ease the transition from summer break to the academic year, we dedicate the first two weeks back to acclimating students into the school environment. These initial weeks are crucial for setting a positive tone for the rest of the semester and the entire school year.

Parents, here are some ways to help your student prepare for a successful start to the new school year:

1. Establish a Routine: Start reintroducing a school-day routine a few days before school begins. This helps students adjust their sleep schedules and get back into the habit of structured days.

2. Set Goals: Encourage your student to set academic and personal goals for the year. Whether it's improving grades, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, having clear goals can motivate and guide them (and you!).

3. Reflect on Summer Experiences: Take some time to discuss what your student learned or experienced over the summer. This reflection can help them integrate those experiences into their school life.

4. Get Involved: Encourage your student to explore the various extracurricular activities and clubs offered at the Academy for GOD. Participation in these activities can enhance their school experience and foster a sense of community.

5. Stay Connected: Open lines of communication with teachers, administrators, and fellow parents. Staying connected will help you stay informed and engaged in your student's education.

As we begin this new school year, we are excited to see the growth and achievements that will come. The Academy for GOD is committed to providing a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially. Let's make this year the best one yet!

Welcome back, and here's to a fantastic school year!

On Set in Africa

Victor Lubega sits for an interview, reflecting on the insecurities he felt regarding his English language skills when he first began joining Academy classes. He recently went back to look at his homework from 2 years ago, and marveled at how his English has improved since then!

“Rolling in 3-2-1... Action!” This semester, our Academy Remote Learners in Uganda have come together for a film project. Together they are producing a mini-documentary: “Going to School in Nashville from Uganda.” They report that this is the most fun they’ve ever had working on a group project! Each of the six Jr. High and High school students have a role. 9th grader Victor Lubega is serving as Director, and he shared the valuable lessons he is learning on leadership and humility. “It was a challenge to me as director to listen to everyone and then come up with an idea for everyone that I thought was good. But then if it turned out it wasn’t good, they needed to correct me and we had to make changes.”

He has also learned valuable skills on planning for and running an efficient meeting, with an agenda and a clear start and end time. Adding this project onto his course load has taught him how to use his time more efficiently in all areas. “Whereas before maybe I would take my time on all homework assignments, now I set a timer and focus and I work quickly to complete my assignments. Then I can move on to work on the documentary.”

The 15 minute film will show the daily life of these students, from their daily chores caring for the chickens and pigs, to how they Zoom into Academy classes in Nashville every evening. They share the joys and the challenges, and reflect on how they have grown as people through the last several years of being Academy students. Academy Home Education Vice Principal Rebekah Hjälmeby has been guiding them through the process. “I’m not a film expert, but I understand project management and the value of team dynamic. I always remind the students that while I’m super excited about the movie they will produce, they themselves are the real project here.

Ms. Hjälmeby meets weekly with the students over Zoom, and brings in technical experts to advise as needed. Here she is joined by Ms. Sara Davis, who graduated from film school and worked in the film industry in L.A.

They are God’s workmanship, and the practical and social skills they’re learning through this will serve them well in whatever area they are called to work.” The students admit that they have surprised even themselves with what they have been able to accomplish together. “Volleyball has been the main group activity we have done together, but this is teaching us how to be part of a team in a whole new way,” says Favour Kimbugwe. “Yes,” agrees Genesis Ssemakula, “At first I didn’t really expect us to be able to do much. I was mostly motivated by the enthusiasm of my teachers, because they were really excited, and I didn’t want to disappoint them. But once we finished the intro video, I could see for myself the potential of the project. I could see the pieces of the puzzle coming together even more beautifully than we had imagined.”

Genevieve, an 8th grader who is one of two Videographers on the project, has learned much about operating a camera through the experience. Additionally, she has learned to critically think about the audience’s perspective. “As a videographer, you have to use your wisdom and brain to think how to catch the audience’s attention. And make them feel different emotions throughout different scenes.” Sserwada Gideon shared a similar reflection. “I am learning to create a background sound related to the emotions displayed by someone on screen.” Gideon is a talented musician, and he is writing the score and managing audio for the project. He too is learning to think about how to tell a story in a captivating way, and use music to help the audience connect emotionally.

Script writer Rebecca Lubega has the challenging task of creating a narrative that pulls together all of the interviews, B-roll and story angles. She is loving the challenge of learning this new genre of writing. The students have a deadline of the end of May to complete this project. Stay tuned to see the finished project, and join us in praying for and celebrating the work that God is doing in each of these projects of His!

Home Education Exemplary Students

Throughout the school year we acknowledge exemplary students within our Home Education program. So far this year, the Exemplar award has been given to two hard-working students, 11th grader Rebecca Lubega (Uganda) and 7th grader Esme García (Morristown, TN). These young ladies are both full-time remote learners, attending classes virtually through our hybrid classroom setups. 

In the Fall 2023 semester, Rebecca Lubega stood out to her teachers for taking ownership of her education with responsibility and enthusiasm. She had outstanding attendance in her classes and engaged course content with questions. Rebecca contacted her teachers regularly to stay on top of class work. As a Junior she did an outstanding job on her Directed Studies project, exploring the relationship between culture and food and how history has shaped those connections. This project culminated in a meal she prepared and hosted for her church community, organizing volunteers, and sharing with her guests about the things she learned throughout the process. Rebecca has shown great determination to succeed and we are so proud to acknowledge her accomplishments. 

Esme is in her first year with The Academy, and she has demonstrated resilience and faith in adjusting to a completely online school program. This spring in particular, her teachers have noted Esme’s consistent contributions in class, and her diligence to submit timely work. She has shown humility and positivity, persevering in her classes and making new friendships. Esme has truly had to practice faith in the Lord, and trust in her parents and teachers in this season, and we are happy to celebrate her!

Empowering Futures: Support Another Year of Student Scholarships

Introduction

Pastora Zenaida Castellanos (front left) is our Education Proctor in Morristown, TN. This incredible woman of faith daily guides the students in their coursework. She approaches every situation with joy and determination; we are so thankful to have her on our team!

As we reflect on the success of last year's scholarship program, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our mission to support the education of international students in Uganda and now, newly welcomed students from Morristown, TN. Our commitment to providing quality education through remote learning has opened doors for students around the world, fostering holistic development and creating positive, lasting impacts.

In the previous year, our scholarship program reached new heights, enabling us to support international students in Uganda, including our very first remote graduate! This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the possibilities that arise when students are given the tools they need to succeed.

This year, we are excited to extend our program to students in Morristown, TN, through our remote learning initiative. Leveraging advanced technology, these students connect to real-time classes happening in Nashville, where they are guided by dedicated, Jesus-loving teachers who are committed to their holistic development.

A Holistic Approach to Education

These three 10th graders attend class together. Uganda is 9 hours ahead of Nashville, so students are ‘in class’ from about 5pm to midnight. We record all classes so that students can access content if they cannot attend in real time.

Our remote learning program offers a unique alternative to traditional classrooms, providing a shield against overcrowding, outdated curriculum and negative influences. Through an interactive and relevant learning model, students not only engage with their coursework but also develop a strong foundation for personal and spiritual growth.

To ensure the success of our students, we have implemented in-person educational proctors who act as mentors, guiding them through their coursework and keeping a watchful eye on their spiritual and social well-being. This personalized approach to education fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

A Personal Perspective

As the Vice President of this program, I have the privilege of interacting daily with our remote learners. I get to daily witness their excitement about learning,  and observe their gratitude manifested through hard work. Facilitating this education is a privilege; these student’s lives are being forever changed. They are facing the world with a critical mind, and hearts full of faith and confidence in the role God is shaping them to play. They know their individual gifts and they are eager to put those to good use in bringing change to the world around them. I truly cannot say enough about the quality of our students, which is enhanced yearly by their education in God’s word. 

"How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." 

- Proverbs 16:16

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our Exemplar of the Quarter program acknowledges outstanding Remote Learners. They are celebrated for qualities such as good grades, enthusiastic participation in class, and communicating well with teachers.

We invite you to join us in supporting another year of scholarships for students around the world! By contributing to this cause, you become a vital part of shaping healthy, thriving young individuals who love the Lord and are enthusiastic about bringing positive change to the world. 

Donate to our scholarship fund and be a catalyst for change in the lives of students around the world. Your support will help create a brighter future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. Together, let's empower these young minds and make education a transformative force in their lives.