By: Beng Prado
When 31 participants gathered for the Facilitators Training conducted by Missio Amare Migranti at the CFC Global Mission Center last August 8, they expected they would be taught the usual techniques. It turned out to be something deeper – tools and knowledge, yes, but more importantly, a renewed calling for service.
“I have been facilitating meetings for most of my career so I thought it would simply be a review of things I’m familiar with” said Cynthia Llanes, a former school administration executive. “But what I received was so much more – greater self-awareness, keener sensitivity to people we interact with, and a clearer understanding of our mission as MIGRANTI volunteers.”
The training is meant to equip facilitators in their mission of helping migrant families navigate the emotional, social and spiritual challenges of migration. An updated version of the previous facilitators training, the module has been expanded into a Migrants Life program to allow facilitators to cover a broader dimension involving self and family amid the unique challenges of migration.
The first of four sessions, the training began with a discussion of adult learning principles, emphasizing that adults are a rich source of experience and should thus be encouraged to be an active participant and doer in the learning process. Succeeding sessions led participants to reflect on their personal qualities and experiences, bringing them to deeply value themselves and others as children of God.
“We believe what sets this training apart is its spiritual core,” explained trainor Cora Simbulan. “Every session is anchored in Scripture reflection and the call to see service as an extension of God’s love. As MIGRANTI volunteer, our task is not to be just problem solvers but companions in hope.”
