Youth
Leadership seminar
-
Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb
HONIARA:
26th Feb -- 24 youngsters completed the Youth Leadership Seminar, held at the
Don Bosco House of Prayer, Kola Ridge from 11th to 14th
February, 2003. The participants
from the different villages of Christ the King Parish, Tetere were also joined
by two youth leaders from Holy Cross parish, Honiara and two from St. Michaels
parish AvuAvu. They were also happy to welcome two from other
faiths.
Participants
had the opportunity to share and present their ideas in small groups as well as
in the large groups sessions. Value
based movies at the end of the day helped highlight the need for dedication and
commitment. “The seminar was well
organized with discussions, inputs and sharing and no waste of time” stated
Timothy Toba from Sali. “I realize
that Youth ministry is a call and a vocation and that I need to follow in the
footsteps of the Good Shepherd always” said John Vaiula, while Margaret Tuke, was happy to share,
learn and understand what the other youth leaders thing and
feel.
The
seminar also dealt with the insecurity of youngsters and the need for support
and guidance from youth, community and parish animators. Stress was also laid on the fact that as
leaders they convey powerful messages by word and example. “I have learnt more about relationships,
planning and the fact that we as leaders need to be examples” stated Alfred Loe,
from Tururana. “The seven dimensions of Youth Ministry
gave me new insights into leadership,” stated James Peresini, Sali. Participants
were also able to evaluate the youth group activities and plan possible
programme for the coming six months.
“With new ideas and insights, I am challenged to go out and share”, said
Christopher D from Tetere.
The
situation in The Solomons at the present time is unsteady and realizing this
they have discussed a six month plan that includes formation of the youth
members and reach out programmes.
The
seminar was organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco and opened up possible
avenues of leadership. It also
enabled the participants be aware of the media and its role in their lives. Visits to the Solomon Star and the SIBC
were very much appreciated. “Sr.
Magdalene DMI worked very hard to see that we had very delicious and tasty
meals”, said Anna Manekiki from Talaura as she voiced the sentiments of several
of the participants. The Youth
Leadership Seminar was made possible by Oxfam Australia and the Salesians of Don
Bosco.
