Education, inclusion, and hope: highlights from the 4th PEPE Global Congress
On November 7 and 8, the 4th PEPE Global Congress was held, bringing together missionary educators and coordinators from several countries in an event marked by learning, exchange of experiences, and celebration of childhood. The hybrid event connected participants from different regions of the world with a common purpose: to transform the lives of children in vulnerable situations through holistic Christian education.
With the theme “Playing, a universal language,” the congress highlighted the essential role of play in child development. The plenary sessions addressed topics such as understanding play as a language, its importance in inclusion processes, child protection through playful activities, the pedagogy of play, the use of games as pedagogical tools, and psychomotricity as the foundation of integral development.
One of the most notable moments was the launch of the e-book “Playing, a Universal Language.” This first volume brings together games and activities practiced in different countries where PEPE operates, exploring play from a psychomotor perspective as a strategy to promote holistic development, inclusion, and meaningful learning.
Organized by the PEPE Network — which brings together PEPE Brazil and PEPE International, the latter directed in more than 40 countries by the Brazilian Baptist Convention’s Board of World Missions (JMM) — the congress reaffirmed the commitment of missionary educators to pedagogical practices that unite faith, love, and learning. The event recognized play as a powerful tool for transformation and hope.
More than just a congress, the event became a milestone of renewal and inspiration for everyone involved in the mission of offering children a fairer future, filled with love, care, and opportunities.
