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.
