December 2, 2005

Donations of vocational training materials are being sought by Operation Classroom, a United Methodist mission program working in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The materials would be used in a program at the denomination's Ganta Mission Station in Liberia designed to train participants in basic vocational trades of auto and diesel mechanics, electricity rafting, cabinet making, carpentry, building construction, welding and plumbing.

The Ganta program's target group includes 75 young adult men and women who are ex-combatants, most of whom have an educational level between the fourth and ninth grades.

Currently, the two-year program can only offer limited theory and supporting math, reading and science, according to the Rev. Joe Wagner, coordinator of Operation Classroom, with offices in Colfax, Ind.

The plan is to provide the next group of students something more that will offer trade and general subject theory, along the lines of a job corps program, he said.

Operation Classroom is seeking vocational curriculum material for the following trade areas: architectural drafting, cabinet making, carpentry, building construction, plumbing, domestic/industrial electricity, automotive mechanics, diesel mechanics, welding and business education.

The mission program works in partnership with the Liberia and Sierra Leone United Methodist annual conferences on projects related to Christian-based education and health care. U.S. conferences, districts and churches have opportunities to assist with teaching and school needs and help rejuvenate the Kissy Clinic in Sierra Leone and Ganta Hospital in Liberia through Operation Doctor.

Wagner said they also are looking for a volunteer for Ganta Mission Station who could service the computers there and train one or two persons in how to service the equipment.

To volunteer or to provide information on possible resources, contact Wagner by e-mail at wagners@operationclassroom.org or by telephone at (765) 436-2805.

United Methodist News Service