A key figure who has led the North East Religious Learning Resources Centre (NERLRC) for more than 30 years has announced that she will retire later this year.
The centre’s Director, Karenza Passmore, will step down from her role on 30 September, more than three decades after she started out back in 1993.
The 58-year-old has transformed the independent charity from a small collection of books into an invaluable hub for schools and churches, faith and community organisations to access a multitude of resources for teaching and Christian education.
“It has been an absolute privilege,” said Karenza. “I’ve had a fantastic team behind me all the way and it has been a real joy to work with our schools and churches, making sure they have all the resources they need.”
It has been quite a journey for Karenza, who started out as an RE teacher and head of department at a school in London while in her 20s. She remains passionate about the subject to this day and will continue to champion RE both regionally and nationally in retirement.
“It’s been my vocation, much more than a job,” she said. “In schools, the curriculum is so diverse now. We support teachers as well as pupils in all age categories, helping them teach a range of religious and non-religious worldviews.”
Resources range from posters, books and story packs. Supporting clergy, churches, groups and those undertaking individual study is also key. Everything is available to view online.
Karenza added: “Is a book always appropriate? Not necessarily! Our resources encourage many ways of learning. We want children and adults to be inspired and say “wow” as they learn.
“At the same time, teachers and leaders need to have reliable background information for whatever they are doing. Our support notes help with that.”
When the Revd Michael Raynard retired from Durham Diocese 30 years ago, Karenza took on a third of his role – resources. The other two thirds being children and youth.
With the support of the St Hild and St Bede Trust she went on to develop the now established centres in Durham Diocese at Cuthbert House, and in Newcastle Diocese at Church House.
“I initially planned to do this for five years,” recalled Karenza. “But this job is so absorbing and I knew it would reach out to so many people. My legacy is every person we have supported over the past 30 years.
“I have been able to go into schools and churches – testing resources and getting valuable feedback first hand. This role has helped me to learn about teaching and what is needed in our schools and faith communities.”
Karenza said she will always be grateful for the work of Canon Anne Lindsley, who was instrumental in the early years of her time with NERLRC. She has described her staffing teams as “incredibly talented.”
Outside of her role with NERLRC, Karenza is the North East Lead for the RE Hub, which promotes and supports the teaching of quality RE nationally.
She will remain actively involved with the RE Hub network and other professional organisations which champion the subject. For more information visit click here
Many of you will have benefitted from Karenza’s knowledge and passion for her subject and her willingness to share that knowledge with others on a wide variety of platforms.
Before she moves on, please share your stories of working with Karenza and the NERLRC by clicking here
Karenza will be greatly missed at the NERLRC. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours.