It's been a phenomenally busy week in the Education by Extension office, not helped by having no admin support for three days - long story. Tried not to get cross. Got a bit cross but it could have been worse. It was perfectly justified to get a bit cross mind you, because contingencies are all in place for extra admin support when necessary but they didn't kick in. A lone Director in the dept. just isn't enough in the people-centered Pacific. Sometimes when I'm cross I just walk the 20 paces from the office to the College gates, stare down the road to where sky and sea meet, and send one up. Even on dustbin day it restores the soul.
I wasn't cross with the causes of the busy-ness, let me stress, because it's wonderful to have people dropping by and enquiries about the programmes increasing. Mele and Sita, for example, whom I'd never met before, are Extension students from Tuvalu and have come to PTC for a one week residential course about gender violence.
While they're on the spot here, they want to stock up on course books and check their files, etc. It was a delight to meet them: both hard working ministers' wives who spend a lot of time exercising leadership among women of the Ekklesia Kelisiano Tuvalu, running Bible studies, offering pastoral guidance etc. And, little by little, notching up their basic theological education through our courses. Mele got her Certificate in Theological Studies in 2011, and is cracking on with the Diploma.
They asked me, 'Can we get credits for all the work we're doing at home so it can count towards the Certificate and Diploma?' It's such a great question. Why shouldn't that work count, really? My heart would probably cross-credit quite a lot if no-one was looking! But someone is looking. Unfortunately, or rightly so? The Pacific Qualifications framework and Fiji Higher Education Council are clear about the standards we're supposed to be meeting. And if PTC distance learning in theology is seen to be 'soft' on accreditation, our students' reputation in the life of the Pacific Churches suffers in the end. 'Oh, those women just got a back door qualification - it's not like their husband's 'proper' one!' People want transferable credits as well. 'Will this be recognised if my husband goes to minister in Australia?' We want to say a firm and non-discriminatory 'yes' to that.
Like many meetings and conversations in our department though, this one with Sita and Mele set me thinking deeply. Again. There must be more room somehow for greater educational recognition of the kind of wonderful and faithful mission and ministry they exercise week by week. Probably through assessing planning, delivery, outcomes and what they learn through reflective practice. All the usual boxes to tick, I suppose. But in the area of Church and faith matters; it's hard. How do you assess and accredit this kind of learning and service at local level, really?
Sita says, 'Well, while I'm on the course this week, which is only during the day, I'll just not be sleeping at night, Rev Val, so that I can complete my Pacific Church History Part II while I'm here and while we've got internet and the library and everything!' She beams. I think she's totally serious. And I recall with shame certain theological students in other parts of the globe with resources at their fingertips and ever-ready excuses on their lips.
'Bring me the course curriculum for this week and the results of any assignments you do', I say as a parting shot. Never say never.
Also deserving of accreditation, but rewarded by me with only 'cookies and cream' lollies (how mean was that?!) were the Nanuku Church youth group today for their community clean up. This was by choice on their programme and we'd originally thought of a litter pick around the settlement, etc. However, they were all fired up to scrub and clean the church itself and immediate surroundings. Fair enough. (We might be sort of waiting for the matching youth club T-shirts before the wider community clean-up. Kalavata matters!)
Young people in Fiji are experts at cleaning. They're required to do it at home all the time and I simply can't imagine the scenario of offspring negotiating with Mum or Dad about whether they're going to do the sweeping or not. You just do it. It's expected of you.
(Child labour? Exploitation? I know, I know.... all this sometimes spills over into mighty issues too...)
However, an hour and a half of fun was had by all, entirely youth led, as lino was mopped, dusty mats were beaten, window slats were rubbed with crushed up newspaper until gleaming, and all was made ready for Pentecost Sunday tomorrow. Nanuku Youth? Simply the best. Have a look.
Having said that the only 'reward' was lollies, what they don't know is that a brand new, bright red - rather Pentecostal! - guitar will be gifted tomorrow, to add to the eclectic, and randomly strung collection we're slowly acquiring for Wednesday guitar classes.
First public performance of 'Holy Ghost and Fire That is Keepin' Me Alive!' in Church tomorrow. Oooo-err. Whatever goes wrong, just keep smiling!
In his other life, Rev Niko is pursuing a PhD part-time at PTC and his study adjoins our PTCEE offices. 
