Two Candler County students shared their experiences with the Candler County Christian Learning Center during the Candler County Board of Education workshop on Tuesday, highlighting how the program provides students an opportunity to learn about practical life skills and morals rooted in faith while earning elective credit through release-time religious education.
Shawn Youmans, a 9th-grade MHS student, and Alyssa Frost, a 9th-grade MCCA student, spoke to Board members about the Christian Learning Center and the role it plays in the lives of participating students.
“The goal of the Christian Learning Center is to partner with families and support the public school by helping students build strong character, integrity, and a foundation of hope,” Shawn told Board members. “As students, we learn books of the Bible and memory verses, but we also learn about respect, kindness and perseverance.”
Alyssa emphasized the program’s desire to make a positive difference beyond the classroom, telling the Board, “We look forward to learning more and helping our community youth thrive by sharing our faith with others.”
Candler County Christian Learning Center Director Melody Young said more than 77 high school students are registered for the program this school year. Because of interest from families, the organization is also hoping to expand the program to include an eighth-grade class beginning in January.
Students attend classes at Guido Gardens each school day in 1.5-hour blocks. Transportation is provided through buses made available by local churches, with volunteers driving students to and from their classes. Release-time religious education allows participating students, with parental permission, to leave campus for religious instruction while receiving elective credit.
While Bible study and spiritual growth are important parts of the program, students are also encouraged to put what they learn into action by serving others. Participants take part in community service opportunities such as food drops, the soup kitchen, and the Backpack Buddies program.
Young said the students who participate come from a variety of backgrounds. Some regularly attend church, while others have never been part of a church congregation. She shared that eight former students have made professions of faith in Christ and have been baptized following their involvement with the program.
A former Christian Learning Center student, Elle Carter, was also in attendance at Tuesday’s workshop and reflected on what the program meant to her.
“It was great to see other students who are Christians being able to profess their faith and not feel out of place by doing so,” Carter said.
Through classroom instruction, service projects, and opportunities to build relationships with their peers, the Candler County Christian Learning Center seeks to give students a place to explore their faith while developing character, leadership skills, and a heart for serving their community.