news
5
JUNE 2020
Vose makes the moment count The changes were rapid, dramatic and necessary, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes naturally impacted the students. The cancellation of this year’s graduation ceremony hit hard for those students who had worked so hard to gain their award. Nevertheless, both staff and students at Vose adapted themselves to this new season, making the most of the situation despite the difficulties. Fortunately, Vose had been offering online studies for several years, making the transition easier. In an anonymous questionnaire organised by the Australian College of Theology, 90 percent of Vose students said they found Vose’s online platforms ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to use and the remaining 10 percent were ‘neutral’. Lecturers conducted their classes using Zoom and students were able to see and speak in a ‘live’ environment, ask questions and enter small discussion groups. If they missed a class, they could watch the recording when they had time.
Difficulties did occur as some students faced financial pressure, while others juggled classes and children home from school. Many students worried about friends and family, both locally and overseas, in places where the virus was spreading rapidly. Some found they had more demands from their jobs and church and so less time for their studies. Others missed the regular face-to-face contact with fellow students and lecturers. Vose staff endeavoured to respond to these and similar difficulties by providing online social opportunities, keeping the library accessible, being more lenient with respect to assignment deadlines and offering additional support where possible. In the anonymous survey another student said, “[Vose] responded quickly and efficiently to government advice, and clearly communicated changes. One lecturer offered access to pastoral support if needed and a social chat forum was established for those wishing to access it. I can’t fault the excellent response.”
Photo: Michael O’Neil
By mid-March, Vose Seminary had cancelled their graduation service and annual book sale, and a plan was enacted allowing staff to work from home, with all the Seminary’s courses moved online.
Director of Vose Leadership, Monica O’Neil connecting via a digital platform from her home office.
In early May, Vose Seminary Director of Mission, Lloyd Porter opened his Zoom classes to family and friends of the enrolled students and reported that ten visitors participated in the lectures and discussions. “The Zoom format allowed the curious and those
contemplating theological education, an entry into a classroom setting in a nonthreatening way,” Lloyd said. In planning for the rest of the year, Vose Director of Research Dr Michael O’Neil said the faculty hope that things will return to ‘normal’ so that staff
and students can enjoy one another’s presence in classes on campus again. “But whether on campus or online, the team are determined to make this moment count for Vose students, their studies and their growth in the calling and Kingdom of God,” he said.
In this strange and unprecedented time of COVID-19, every person has faced unique challenges. However, as with every disaster, it is the already vulnerable who will be the hardest hit. “COVID-19 is a global health crisis, but in developing countries it’s not only a health crisis, it’s an economic crisis and food security crisis as well,” Baptist World Aid Australia Director of Programs, Daniel Skehan explained. “As local economies are ‘locked down’, day labourers are unable to make enough income to support their children’s daily food needs.” “Families who had little excess food to start with, now face hunger. And in some countries, this pandemic may even lead to famine.” With strong expertise in disaster management programming, Daniel’s leadership of the Baptist World Aid Australia
International Programs team and its COVID-19 response is fitting for such a time as this. “I feel blessed to be able to stand together with our global Christian partners who are doing all they can to keep families safe and prepared,” Daniel said. “This pandemic represents a great risk to many already vulnerable communities across the world, but we still have hope.” “We are not deterred because there is still much that can be done.” Thanks to the generosity of its Australian supporters, Baptist World Aid has already begun funding important COVID-19 response work in Bangladesh, Kenya, Lebanon, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. This is in addition to supporting its existing Christian partner organisations working on the front line of this pandemic. It includes water and water sources for communities who currently have none so they can wash their hands and keep safe from germs; protective equipment such as face masks, goggles and
Photo: International Nepal Fellowship
Generosity in a pandemic
Baptist World Aid Australia has already begun funding important COVID-19 response work in Nepal and across the world.
gloves for frontline workers so they can keep caring for those who are sick; emergency food relief for families facing hunger; and materials to help educate at-risk families about coronavirus and how to prevent its spread. This year, the Matching Grant Appeal offers a unique opportunity to make sure that the impact of donors’ generosity is even bigger. Because, for the first time (and perhaps the only time) ever, the Australian Government has generously increased their
matching of funds to Baptist World Aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of the usual, maximum six times the impact, donors’ generosity will be 10:1 when they give to the appeal, which ends on 30 June 2020. “Despite the challenge to their own personal circumstances, our wonderful supporters have been unfailingly generous through this pandemic. And we’re so grateful, because it means vulnerable
families living in poverty can face and overcome its effects,” Daniel said. “You too can be a part of an incredible story of hope during these challenging times. And support projects, through your gift to the Matching Grant Appeal, which will directly impact more than 85,000 people across six countries.” For more information, visit baptistworldaid.org.au/ matching-grant
