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• Number of children in the world: 2.2 billion
• Number of children living in poverty: 1 billion
• 640 million children live without adequate shelter
• 400 million children have no access to safe water
• The number of children trafficked each year: 1.2 million
• Number of children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS worldwide: 15 million
• Estimated number of children killed in conflict since 1990: 1.6 million
• Children forced to leave their homes due to conflict or human rights violations: 20 million
• Daily death-toll of children world-wide before their fifth birthday: 29,158.

Statistics: UNICEF – State of the World’s Children 2006

“Why, O Lord, do you stand so far off in times of trouble?” – Psalm 10:1 When we look at The Need we ask with the Psalmist – Does God Care? In the Children at Risk School we focus continuously on God, searching scripture, learning His nature and character so we can know along with the Psalmist, “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed… ”And I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalm 140:12 The question then becomes, “Do I value what God values?”

We get a glimpse of God’s Intention in Mark 9. But what does putting the “child in the midst” mean in creating programs to meet the needs of Children at Risk? During the 12-week lecture phase course content will be taught by ministry and social service professionals experienced in helping at-risk children. Through lectures, discussions, small group interactions, community life, assignments and research, you will learn in creative ways, and begin applying what you learned. Now the question is, “What is my part in restoring a child at risk?”

What is my piece? To restore all children to the future and hope God intended will take the whole Body of Christ working together with a focus on the smallest and weakest – working toward their best interest. One of the most important first steps is getting training, then, networking with others who carry a complementary piece in restoring the future and hope of a child. The goal of the school is to multiply leaders who will champion the cause of children through social, political, judicial and spiritual intervention. Students experience God’s heart for justice, defending the cause of the fatherless, rescuing the poor, the weak and the oppressed. Now the question is, “Will you come join us? Will you find out what piece God has for you in restoring the future and hope of a child?”

All of our 3 month schools cost CHF3750, this amount covers your tuition, food and housing during the lecture phase. If there is an outreach you will be charged a separate fee, which will be communicated to you in advance and will depend on your outreach location. Some of our schools also charge a book fee of up to CHF150, to cover books and resources that you will be able to take away with you after the school. Once you are accepted for a school, you will be sent more specific information on your school costs. For the dates of the school you are interested in, please click here.

The Children at Risk School Field Assignment is 24 weeks. The purpose of the Field Assignment is to give students real opportunities to put in to practice what they have learned during the lecture phase. They will continue to be learners, both academically, spiritually and in tasks. Students will be placed in a daily work environment with an NGO, program or ministry that is working with children at risk or their families. What is learned and practiced in this culture and environment will be translatable to all cultures the student will choose to work in after the CRS Field Assignment. The last 5-10 days of the Field Assignment the student will return to Burtigny, Switzerland for a time of debriefing.