Training and Practicing Until Everyone Gets it Right

The Mission to Kenya is just a few months away and Ageno is geared up for the trip, which will launch the start of the project. As the Ageno team prepares to open its doors to its participants in Kenya, two things are paramount: praying and training. The team is determined to start the program on the right note. One way to do this is to train and practice, practice until everyone gets it right. With this principle in mind, during the Spring Break, the Ageno team spent their time at Coventry Reserve in the Brain Building Center training. The training was intended to equip the Ageno team with the skills for the training of teachers at Katolo in Kisumu, Kenya. Ageno day program starts operation in June, 2013.

Robin Harwell, who specializes in building the brain by using a neurobiological approach to assessment and treatment, headed the training. She is a licensed and certified Speech Pathologist. Robin has over 25 years of experience working with infants, children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Her passion for the “brain” is evident as she shared her “tools” that apply specific stimuli along one or more of the three major sensory motor pathways to “build the brain”.

Sherri Rapp is the program director at Coventry Reserve, a day program for adults with disabilities. Sherri has 22 years experience as a teacher in the public and private sectors, serving in both classroom and administration roles. She received her degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and holds Certifications in Vocational Home Economics in Texas, South Carolina and New Mexico. Sherri has additional training in Sign Language Interpreting from Collin College and CPR & First Aid from Red Cross and holds a Special Education Certification in Texas.

During the training, the two trainers explained the three main principles of the brain:

• How the brain is designed to work

• Why it doesn’t

• How to change that

The training explained concepts in a simplified way. One such concept was that when the neural pathways for movement are fired, these pathways activate and connect the whole brain in a synergistic way necessary for growth and change. For there to be a change one must assess and determine the treatment. The second day of training was dedicated to assessment and treatment. The following areas were looked into:

Assessment: How a person receives information through:

• Auditory System/ pathway

• Visual System/ pathway

• Vestibular System/ pathway

• Tactile Pathway

The tools used for treatment were extensively discussed. For there to be effective learning there first must be “arousal” of the brain with intensity with frequency, and duration.

The training was wrapped up by having the team practice by assessing each other. It was a very fruitful and enriching training.

Ageno extends a big thank you to Sherri and Robin for such a thorough preparation.

Please Pray For Us

Ageno mission team will appreciate your prayers for:

smooth preparation, travel, and the divine appointments God is preparing for us.

Wisdom that we clearly understand God’s leading and glorify Him in all we do.

Joy and Compassion as we work with the families of special needs children.

Safety for travel.

Strength and energy to be able to do what is planned for us.

Faith that God will prepare hearts of those we contact and provide for our financial needs. Please pray for us in these upcoming months, that we can focus and look to the Lord for direction and assurance, because getting ready for a trip like this can bring on more than a few distractions!

Thank you for your love, prayers and support.

Thanks and God bless

Sherri Rapp.

Lydia Asuluda Owallah

Ageno Community

Tel. 469-443-6080

Article written with contributions by Varaidzo Dongozi