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Gap Year and Training Programme
Agathos Intern
Hannah Stephens joined the team in September as our first intern, all the way from our nation’s capital, Cardiff. She was an enormous blessing from her first day, and worked alongside Wendy in schools most days. She also helped Arawn lead the CiC Welsh language youth club once a week.
Hannah went on to study Physics at Southampton Uni While she was with us , Hannah was an active part of her church, King’s Christian Centre, and made lots of friends locally. |
King's Christian Centre Intern
Ben Evans spent a Gap Year training and serving with his church, King’s Christian Centre, before heading on to Bible College. in his work with King’s he lead a Youth Club, taught Sunday School classes and organised a youth celebration event at Theatr Clwyd . In between helping at the local Foodbank or Homeless Outreach. Ben helped us with schoolswork for a day a week, and we put his drama skills to use in ‘Open the Book’ Primary Assemblies and our weekly Secondary School non-formal work in the Alun.
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A year (or two - see Training below) gives the opportunity to serve God and the local community and develop into a well rounded person. Interns will work in local schools alongside Wendy, our Director of Schoolswork, and Welsh speakers will also work in clubs alongside Arawn, our Youth, Family and Community worker.
There are opportunities to attend training courses, both accredited and non-formal, and there are lots of different learning opportunities in a variety of areas. We will work with each intern to assess their strengths and develop them. There are many opportunities to be stretched and challenged throughout the year, and most importantly, to serve God and see His Kingdom grow.
Accommodation
We will offer accommodation with a local Christian family, and ask for a contribution of £40/week towards food etc. Otherwise, if an independent living experience is sought, costs would have to be met by the intern (hopefully through support from their home church and family). We also suggest that you have an allowance to cover personal items such as toiletries etc and for socialising. We will cover all costs incurred as part of your role with us.
Our Work
At Agathos we work in both Welsh and English schools. We welcome Welsh speakers of any ability as you will have plenty of opportunity to develop your Welsh during your time with us. Non-Welsh speakers are also welcome. We will tailor the work to your strengths and abilities. We are involved with both primary and secondary schools, leading regular assemblies and clubs as well as having many lesson opportunities in the local English secondary school. Lessons range from RE lessons on a variety of topics, from Christian experiences such as Communion and Prayer, to ethical matters. We also host special events over the school year such as Prayer/Reflective Spaces in Schools, Easter projects, 'It's Your Move' transition work with Year 5s and more.
Our team at present consists of Arawn and Wendy as full-time workers, and several volunteers who help deliver our weekly Open the Book primary assemblies and annual special events.
Churches
Agathos was founded by 3 local churches who are all very involved in the work – Ebenezer Baptist church, King’s Christian Centre and Bethesda Welsh Presbyterian Chapel. The intern would be welcome to choose to fellowship with any of the churches in Mold, and would receive a warm welcome at them all. All three churches that set up the trust have regular home group meetings and studies, with King’s and Ebenezer also having groups for young adults. After visiting the local churches, we would want the intern to settle into regular fellowship and worship with one church, so that they can develop good relationships and play an active part in the church family.
Pastoral Support
As part of the placement we would arrange regular pastoral support meetings and make sure that the intern is well supported in the work and given every opportunity to deepen and develop their own faith as well as a range of communication and pastoral skills.
Training Opportunities
The intern would have the option of attending a new BTEC course called 'Voluntary Work in an Educational Setting' (ENABLE). The course is accredited by Pearson (formerly known as Edexcel) and is an excellent course; Wendy and Hannah (our first intern) took part in the pilot year and learned a huge amount about the school environment and facilitating great learning environments. One Year of study leads to a BTEC Certificate, with a second year resulting in a BTEC Diploma.
More info available by clicking the Enable BTEC link below
Hannah and Ben also took part in 'New Wine Cymru New Leaders' training, which you would have the opportunity to take part in too - see link below
If you're interested in knowing more about our internship programme and/or registering your interest in taking part, please fill out the form on the 'Contact Us' page.
There are opportunities to attend training courses, both accredited and non-formal, and there are lots of different learning opportunities in a variety of areas. We will work with each intern to assess their strengths and develop them. There are many opportunities to be stretched and challenged throughout the year, and most importantly, to serve God and see His Kingdom grow.
Accommodation
We will offer accommodation with a local Christian family, and ask for a contribution of £40/week towards food etc. Otherwise, if an independent living experience is sought, costs would have to be met by the intern (hopefully through support from their home church and family). We also suggest that you have an allowance to cover personal items such as toiletries etc and for socialising. We will cover all costs incurred as part of your role with us.
Our Work
At Agathos we work in both Welsh and English schools. We welcome Welsh speakers of any ability as you will have plenty of opportunity to develop your Welsh during your time with us. Non-Welsh speakers are also welcome. We will tailor the work to your strengths and abilities. We are involved with both primary and secondary schools, leading regular assemblies and clubs as well as having many lesson opportunities in the local English secondary school. Lessons range from RE lessons on a variety of topics, from Christian experiences such as Communion and Prayer, to ethical matters. We also host special events over the school year such as Prayer/Reflective Spaces in Schools, Easter projects, 'It's Your Move' transition work with Year 5s and more.
Our team at present consists of Arawn and Wendy as full-time workers, and several volunteers who help deliver our weekly Open the Book primary assemblies and annual special events.
Churches
Agathos was founded by 3 local churches who are all very involved in the work – Ebenezer Baptist church, King’s Christian Centre and Bethesda Welsh Presbyterian Chapel. The intern would be welcome to choose to fellowship with any of the churches in Mold, and would receive a warm welcome at them all. All three churches that set up the trust have regular home group meetings and studies, with King’s and Ebenezer also having groups for young adults. After visiting the local churches, we would want the intern to settle into regular fellowship and worship with one church, so that they can develop good relationships and play an active part in the church family.
Pastoral Support
As part of the placement we would arrange regular pastoral support meetings and make sure that the intern is well supported in the work and given every opportunity to deepen and develop their own faith as well as a range of communication and pastoral skills.
Training Opportunities
The intern would have the option of attending a new BTEC course called 'Voluntary Work in an Educational Setting' (ENABLE). The course is accredited by Pearson (formerly known as Edexcel) and is an excellent course; Wendy and Hannah (our first intern) took part in the pilot year and learned a huge amount about the school environment and facilitating great learning environments. One Year of study leads to a BTEC Certificate, with a second year resulting in a BTEC Diploma.
More info available by clicking the Enable BTEC link below
Hannah and Ben also took part in 'New Wine Cymru New Leaders' training, which you would have the opportunity to take part in too - see link below
If you're interested in knowing more about our internship programme and/or registering your interest in taking part, please fill out the form on the 'Contact Us' page.
Thoughts from our Interns
Hannah moved away from her home in Cardiff to do the internship with Agathos.
Ben chose to stay at home in Mold to do the internship with his church and Agathos.
So we asked them the advantages and disadvantages of moving away or staying at home:
Ben chose to stay at home in Mold to do the internship with his church and Agathos.
So we asked them the advantages and disadvantages of moving away or staying at home:
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Hannah
Positives of moving away:
Negatives of moving away:
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Ben
Positives of staying at home:
Negatives of staying at home:
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Quotes from the interns
Hannah: "I think you should follow your calling from God as he knows you best and has great plans for you. (see Jeremiah 29 v 11) I think spiritually you will develop best where God wants you to be."
Ben: "Internship - No pay. Long tiring days. Infuriating co-workers. Best year of my life."
See our blog page for more thoughts from Hannah on her time here with us:
Ben: "Internship - No pay. Long tiring days. Infuriating co-workers. Best year of my life."
See our blog page for more thoughts from Hannah on her time here with us:
