Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - To protect youth from delinquency and drug abuse and educate them to human and Christian values the Vincentians organise Vincentian Youth Groups whose aim is to put in to practice the charisma of St Vincent de Paul. Recently a third annual Vincentian Convocation in a Tenaru brought together over 500 participants to reflect on the theme: “Service to the Poor leading us to Jesus”. The participants were members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Vincentian Marian Youth, which are organised in many parishes, villages and schools
Three days of prayer, formation, reflection, group discussion, served to increase awareness of spreading violence, abuse of drugs and alcohol and crime and encourage young people to strengthen families ties to build stronger families, open to life. The Convention was articulated in moments of catechesis, group discussion liturgical celebrations and games.
About 50% of the population is under 18. Unemployment among young people is high, although there exists the possibility to work in sector of food production, fishing, farming. In the villages, despite five years of civil unrest, there is no shortage of food and local traditions guarantee security for women and young people so the young people did not suffer much for the war . A major problem is low rate of school attendance 20-25%. And only 35% of primary school children go on to secondary school. Young people are dissatisfied and 90% smoke marijuana, which grows wild on the island, although this phenomenon is found more in cities like Honiara than in rural areas. Abuse of alcohol is also growing to the concern of sociologists, educators and civil authorities.
As the Vincentian Fathers in Solomons explain, after the years of civil unrest education of the youth is most important for the future of the nation and calls for a contribution for all: state and private bodies, religious communities like the Catholic community make an enormous contribution to the formation of young people and the cultural growth of the people in general.
“Vincentian Youth Groups serve to bring young people closer to God and to each other”, the organisers explain. They are also a seedbed for vocations to the priestly and religious life.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/7/2006 righe 34 words 347)
