Big Bethel AME Church’s Saturday School Creatively Cares for Children
Program Collaborations
Through a robotics partnership, the Saturday School is in the process of developing its own technology based ROBO-KIDS EXPERIENCE. This ministry emphasizes developing discipline and critical thinking, teamwork skills, increase attention span, and promote creativity. The students create models using Legos, that will be programmed using appropriate music and sound.
Our continued partnerships with other faith communities and organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Women, Inc., Bridging the Gap Mentoring Program, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Operation P.E.A.C.E. After-School Program, the Butler Street Community Development Corporation has resulted in providing tutoring assistance, mentoring connections, resources and opportunities for our youth. They are exposed to the arts, college and professional team sports, the Georgia Aquarium, the Civil Rights Museum, the Apex Museum, the Auburn Ave Library, and much more.
The school’s computer lab allows the students to enhance their areas of weakness in reading, math and science utilizing a special program subscription provided by a partner donor each year.
The Saturday School gained significant support from Georgia State University and foodservice businesses in the community. This collaboration has opened doors for establishing partnerships in gardening in the church's “outdoor classroom”/amphitheater. The program, called Noodle Cave, is sponsored by a young woman from Michigan who saw us one day trying to do some planting with the children. She will return to Atlanta this April to introduce four-week workshops to students. The produce will be prepared and eaten before the end of the school year.
Lifting Interfaith Ministry
We are entering a one-year program with the Interfaith Children's Movement, Inc. to work on strengthening families. The program, allows the diverse group of enrolled parents to hold leadership positions to develop and/or strengthen them in the area of basic life skills to become role models for others in their communities. There are approximately 25-30 students every week. The church provides transportation to and from four communities throughout Metro Atlanta. The full, productive day program begins at 10:00 am ends at 3:00 pm. and provides meals or snacks. We thank God for his grace and favor shown this vital ministry. We have been blessed beyond measure with God’s help and the support and vision Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. John Foster. Supporter Report submitted by Rev. Bessie Donaldson.