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Faith Literacy Faith Guiding
 
 Training - Faith Guiding Certificate
 
 
    Why?

Birmingham has enjoyed an excellent reputation for many years as a city of
many cultures, where relationships between different groups of people have been generally positive. However, the city is not immune to pressures from the national and international context, and faith communities have a valuable
role in building bridges. All faith communities, and minority faith communities in particular, need to be able to present themselves with confidence and integrity, and to counter misinformation and misunderstanding. Those in positions of responsibility in public life also need to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations, principles and practices of all the faith communities. Faith Guides help to address both these needs and thus make an important contribution to community cohesion. 		   
 
    Management

This course is provided by the Faith Encounter Programme which is an
independent registered charity (no.1124521) and a member of the West
Midlands Faiths Forum. It has been supported by the Department of Communities and Local Government. It is chaired by the Inter Faith Adviser to the Anglican Bishop of Birmingham and managed by leading members of Birmingham’s six major faith communities. The course is directed by Ruth Tetlow MA, PGCE, M Phil (Interreligious Relations).
    
 

 

Aims

1. To train people of all faiths in Birmingham, as Faith Guides, so that places of worship are equipped to offer high quality educational visits.
2. To develop respect and mutual understanding between people of all faiths and communities.

 

Background

The Faith Encounter Programme has pioneered this specialist training course since 2007. The Faith Guiding Certificate has been accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding at Level 2. The course offers a guiding qualification for a specific place of worship, with emphasis on the presentation and interpretation of the faith. Faith Guides also have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their own faith and of other faiths.

 

Course Content

The course includes:

• Knowledge of your own faith and place of worship

• Interpretation and presentation skills

• Customer care and risk assessment

• Visits to places of worship

• Guiding school groups

• Preparation of resource materials

• Planning and practice of leading guided tours

 

When is the course taking place?

The course will be on Monday evenings from 6 – 9 pm, plus 2 extra workshops, followed by written and practical examinations. It will take place over 12 weeks and will run from Monday January 4th to Monday March 29th 2010.

 

Places available

There will be places for 20 adults on the course.

 

Who can apply?

Applications are invited from practising members of any faith community.

There are no specific entry qualifications apart from the ability to communicate well in English. Application forms are available from the Faith Encounter Programme. Please note, in addition to completing the form, applicants need to submit a reference from a recognised faith leader at their own place of worship.

 

Course Fees

The fee for the course is £100 per person, which may be subsidised by

the place of worship. Concessions may be available based on evidence

of exceptional need.

 

Information and application forms:

Co-ordinator, Faith Encounter Programme 0121 449 4892

ruthtetlow@btinternet.com www.faithencounter.org.uk

 

Course venue:

Queensbridge School, Queensbridge Road, Moseley,

Birmingham B13 8QB (Click here for map)
(Bus routes 50, 35) - Click here for Travel WM website / Journey Planner

 
 
 
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A report is available giving a full evaluation of the first Faith Guiding course. It would be of interest if you are thinking of developing a similar venture.
Email the co-ordinator if you would like a copy.

To e-mail the co-ordinator please visit our contact us page or use the following
e-mail address: ruthtetlow@btinternet.com
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