HOLISTIC CHILD development

Nazarene child development programs use a holistic model, addressing every facet of a child’s life: the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social. In many world areas, this is accomplished through Nazarene child development centers, which children attend in addition to traditional schooling. These centers become hubs for the entire community by supporting both the children who attend as well as their families. Children are enrolled at the centers, a key factor in the children’s success, through NCM’s child sponsorship program.

Over the last year, holistic child development projects focused on cultivating resilience, which means that families will be better prepared for food supply crisis, economic downturns, or disasters. Through these holistic, integrated ministries to children and their families, communities are transformed.

Laila*, age 12, hopes to become a lawyer when she grows up; she loves defending people and has a passion for justice. Right now, though, she is facing the same struggles as the rest of those living in Lebanon. The financial crisis there is increasingly dire, with inflation rates topping 158 percent (compared to 7 percent in the United States). “There’s a lot of bad things happening in this country, but still there is hope,” Laila explains.

The Nazarene school in Beirut has continued to care for students, families, and staff, making sure children have a place to feel valued and safe even in the midst of uncertainty. At school, Laila can experience a little bit of normalcy. Teachers and psychologists at the school are trained to provide holistic care to students. “It can really change somebody’s life,” Laila says. “I don’t know about the others, but for me it feels like home.”

*Children’s names are changed throughout for safety.