Utica International church recognizes the importance of lifelong learning. Adult education is critical today as it allows individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that they may have missed during their early education or may need as they transition to new environments. With the changing job market and technological advancements, continuous learning is necessary to remain relevant in the workforce.
Utica International church offers a free adult education program open to all community members, regardless of religious affiliation. The courses are designed to provide accessible, high-quality education to anyone interested in improving their skills and knowledge.
The program is ideal for individuals seeking new qualifications, improving their job prospects, or simply for personal enrichment.
“We are excited to offer this program to the community and hope it will provide a valuable resource for those looking to further their education,” said Josue Nico, district pastor for the Utica church. “Our mission is to serve the community. We believe that education is a key part.”
The mission of this project is to provide a new comprehensive education program to the community of Utica. In October 2022, the initiative started with 30 adult learners and a dedicated group of facilitators—Becky Ann Dombroski, Pauline Muok, MaySae Sancrown, Laura Gladney, Jordan Joseph, and Barbara Shoupe—who began the mission under the supervision of Christina Ernest, Ph.D. Sponsored by the Sabbath School department, the news of ESL/ELL and Consumer Math classes quickly spread to the Congolese, Karen, and Spanish communities.
“We understand that many people face barriers to education, whether it’s due to cost, time constraints, or other factors,” said Ernest, who holds a Ph.D. in Education and Education Administration with an emphasis in Educational Leadership and serves Utica International church as an elder and Sabbath School superintendent. “Our fearless mission is designed to remove those barriers and provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for everyone.”
Classes are every other Sunday at the church, which is centrally located for the different ethnic communities in the city to reach. Ernest further emphasized, “Our church has been a welcoming home for many transitioning refugee families, and this program will help to empower them and remove some barriers to their advancement.” The program offers flexible learning options and support services to ensure participants have the necessary resources to succeed.
Other church departments are also collaborating with the adult education program. Health Ministries plans to enhance learning opportunities by offering classes and workshops on nutrition, balanced living, wellness, disease prevention, and mental health.
“Health education is crucial as it enables individuals to make informed decisions about their health, which can lead to a better quality of life,” Nico emphasized. By God’s grace, another graduation ceremony is planned for May 2024.
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Communication team, Utica International church
