Grade 7 CRE THE CHURCH – ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH Notes
Role of the Church in Education and Health
Subject: CRE — The Church (for age 12, Kenya)
The church in Kenya helps people learn and stay healthy. Churches do this in two main ways: through education and through health services. Below are simple points, examples, Bible ideas and short activities you can do at school or at home.
- Many Kenyan schools started as church mission schools.
- Churches run hospitals, clinics and health outreach programmes.
- Church work supports both body and spirit — teaching and healing.
A. How the Church helps in Education
- Starting schools: Churches started many primary and secondary schools and some colleges and universities. These schools teach reading, writing, maths and Christian values.
- Sunday school and Bible study: Children learn Bible stories, morals and how to live a good life.
- Scholarships and fees help: Churches sometimes pay school fees for poor children so they can study.
- Teacher training: Some churches run training colleges where teachers learn how to teach well.
- After-school clubs: Choirs, drama, and study clubs give children a safe place to learn new skills.
B. How the Church helps in Health
- Hospitals and clinics: Many churches run mission hospitals and local clinics. These help mothers, children and sick people get treatment.
- Health education: Churches teach about hygiene, nutrition, vaccines and how to prevent diseases like malaria and HIV.
- Health camps: Mobile clinics and medical camps reach people in villages who cannot go to a hospital.
- Care and counseling: Churches offer counseling for sick people or families with problems.
- Clean water and sanitation: Some churches help build wells or toilets to keep communities healthy.
C. Biblical reasons
The church teaches and heals because Jesus told his followers to teach others and care for the sick. Two simple Bible ideas:
- Teach others: Jesus said to make disciples and teach (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Care for the sick: Jesus healed people and told us to love our neighbour (Matthew 9:35; Luke 10:27).
Many of Kenya's oldest schools and hospitals began as church projects. Churches still work with the government and NGOs to help more people.
D. Examples from Kenyan life (simple)
- Church-run primary schools where children learn to read and pray.
- Mission hospitals that treat injured people and give childhood vaccines.
- Church teams teaching parents how to keep food clean and children well-fed.
E. How you can take part (age 12)
- Join Sunday school or the church youth group and help with lessons or singing.
- Make a poster about health (washing hands, eating balanced food) and display it at school.
- Help collect clothes or food for families in need through your church.
- Ask your teacher or church leader to invite a nurse or teacher to talk to your class.
F. Short activity (5–10 minutes)
Activity: In pairs, list 5 ways your local church helps people (education or health). Share one story with the class about someone helped by the church.
G. Revision questions
- Name two ways the church helps in education.
- Give two examples of health services churches provide.
- Why do churches teach and care for the sick? (Give a Bible reason.)
The church helps both the mind and the body. In Kenya, churches run schools and hospitals, teach good values and health practices, and work with communities to make life better. Christians follow Jesus by teaching others and caring for the sick.
Prepared for CRE learners (age 12) — simple, local examples and activities for classrooms or home study.