By Br. Joel Attiso, SDB

       Kokopo, East New Britain PNG, 12 June 2022 -- Salesian Youth Ministry SYM is carried out in full collaboration with the young people themselves. In all aspects of the educational mission, young people are always protagonists.

       It is with the sense of strengthening this spirit of collaboration that an overnight training was organized from 3- 4 June 2022, in favour of the Student Representatives Committee (SRC) of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School and the Youth Leaders and Animators of Mary Help of Christians Parish.

       The program which had as its theme: ‘Train to serve better’ took place at Vuvu-Haus Sekan, residence of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Rabaul, East New Britain Province.

       Different activities filled this moment of formation. A talk on Leadership through social media was given by Br. Joel Attiso sdb, where he dwelt on encouraging young leaders to make good use of social media to continue to be leaders for others through the different social media platforms.

       During his talk, Fr. Juna, gave the difference between a leader and a chief (boss) and insisted on the aspect of Service. He said, “A true leader is one who serves others the most and who motivates them by his acts and actions to do the same”.

       The main highlight was the Team Building activities by Fr. Moise Puluku sdb, DBTSS Rector. He taught the participants different games that allowed leaders to know how to work together with those they served and how to communicate with them. There was also a moment of meeting between the SRCs and Mr. Francis, DBTSS SRC person in charge and between the MHC Parish Youth Leaders and Fr. Moise.

       The program ended with a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Fr. Moise. He thanked the young people for their participation in the program. He urged them in his homily to arm themselves with patience and courage in exercising their leadership. “It is God who has chosen you to work for Him and with Him. Everything you do, do it for the glory of God, so God himself will support you”, he encouraged.

       The leaders in turn expressed their joy at having participated in this program which is for them a real moment of updating and renewal. They give thanks to God for the life of the Salesians who are always available to help and support them in the exercise of their leadership.

       The participants radiated great joy and satisfaction at the completion of the program. We continue to pray for them so that they may be an example for other young people in word and deed.

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