3278 A Safe Environment for the Young (FIS)
austraLasia #3278

 

A Safe Environment for the Young (FIS)

CEBU CITY (PHILIPPINES) 31 August, 2013- The DBYC of the Lourdes Parish is continuing their youth ministry program where youth groups are active in peer ministry. Every month they would organize formation inputs that would help their companions cope up with the daily realities of the present time. For example, this month, they took up the topic of bullying; not only bullying that happen in schools or in the neighborhood, but also other forms of bullying in the virtual world.

TGIF - this formation activity happens on the weekend. It is becoming a monthly event that the young look forward to; it may be
a reason it is called: "Thank God It's Friday." And last Friday, the viewers were not let down. There was even a short and funny skit that portrayed bullying inside the classroom, in the play ground, and even in computer game centers. That skit was just a creative way to introduce the speaker - Ms. Mechelle Rama. She is a Guidance Councillor in one of the private schools in Cebu City. After the skit, she continued by processing what they saw acted on stage, using discussions, video clips and a power point presentation.

A number of topics were developed. The types of bullying, the possible reasons why others do it, the analysis of some aspects of bullying including the healthy and wise ways of dealing with it, if one is a victim or a witness to it. It was also mentioned that schools and organizations must have policies that ensure protection against harmful elements and situations.

After awarding the speaker with a token of appreciation, Fr. Joriz Calza, SDB gave the "Good Night" talk to summarize the ideas and to add the Salesian perspective.

We need to constantly do anti bullying campaigns and, in a proactive way, educate students and our young people how to have healthy relationships.