Martin has been working in the INCZ team for 16 years now. Originally he was cook, but then God led him to work at schools and appointed him for this job. One of the strongest parts of Martin’s lecturing is listening, not speaking. That is an important characteristics of all good lecturers and it is very typical for them. And Martin has really mastered this skill. This time I went with Martin to a High school of gastronomy where he used to be a student in the past too. The students ware really surprised to realize that the lecturer himself should have worked as a cook too; he mentioned some of the teachers who still work there.
During the lectures Martin naturally blends among the students and looks like one of them; in the discussions he seems to be a part of the group, like an older brother. He comes casually dressed and one would hardly tell that he is one of the most respected authorities among the lecturers, widely recognized by the professional public.
I came to see a lecture which was a part of the very history of our work in Czechia: the AIDS and partnerships. It covers very important topics about this dangerous threat, some of which may already be known to the young people. In an entertaining way the lecturer explains how to handle short-time relationships and how to get a good, lifetime one.
I recorded a video of Martin listening to the young people and explaining them the importance of thinking over the directions of our lives well. You can listen to him here:
The next discussion I went to with Martin was focused on improving realionships in a group of people. This time Martin worked with students he already knew from another program. I could watch him respectfully moderating a very personal debate about relationships in the class. Personal discussions can improve relationships and a moderated debate can bring out the better part of them. Some teachers say that the atmosphere in the class can improve a lot and teaching can be much easier then.
The friendly way Martin uses in leading the debates earns him trust and credit with the kids. The lectures and debates that follow flow much easier and often the topic of faith can get discussed.
Petr Horacek, the Executive Director of INCZ
