Learning and Laughter Return to the Peace Center
/CFNA’s 2026-27 Tutoring Kicks Off!
The Peace Center is lively again on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, as After School Tutoring has started up again. Since September 8th, 54 students from age 5 to 18 are regularly participating on either Tuesday or Thursday, and we have had 40 volunteers on campus to help with tutoring, with long-term tutors as well as SLU and local high school students returning to pour into these eager learners.
Even before tutoring began, the students were ready to return. Danny, one of our students from the Congo, eagerly asked, “Ms. Janssen, when is tutoring starting? We are ready to come. Our school has started, and we want to come to the Peace Center!” His excitement highlights something about this ministry engagement - the Peace Center has become a place where children not only come to learn, but where they want to be.
The energy is evident as students gather, engaging in math practice apps, chess games, and conversation. During the evening, students practice conversation over a meal, gather for a devotion, work on reading and school skills in groups of 1-3 students with a tutor, and enjoy recreation time with crafts and games. In many simple ways, tutors and students live out St. Paul’s encouragement to “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thess. 5:11).
“I am often tired on Tuesdays after a long day at work, and then I drive 30 minutes to help with tutoring,” explains Scott Janssen. “But the reward of seeing a student learn something new – being there for that moment when it clicks – is totally worth the effort. These kids love being at the Peace Center. They want to learn. And I am so glad to have this opportunity.”
Both Tuesday and Thursday evenings need more volunteer tutors to meet the needs of the current students. Do you know anyone with some love to share? Experience with education is not required; as long as tutors can read and have a willing smile, After School Tutoring can use them. Reach out to Pamela Vue at pvue@cfna-stl.org for information about joining the fun!
By Jennifer Janssen
CFNA Tutoring Supervisor
