Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - About 80 participants attended an Awareness workshop on Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse and HIV & AIDS from August 27th to September 3rd 2006 at Cookson, Wagina Catholic Parish, Choiseul Province. The participants were a mix of youth, women, couples, catechists, pastoral workers, Sunday school teachers, Secondary & Primary teachers, men and women.
The 8-day workshop begun with an opening Holy Mass, celebrated by the Parish Priest Fr. Jeffery Puritau. The lively liturgy was led by the youths. The awareness workshop covered areas such as self-esteem, who am I, causes and effects of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse & sexual abuse, ways to solve such problems, importance of marriage and sexuality, and good Christian family living. Mrs. Christina Teube elected as Coordinator and Chris Ribua as assistant Coordinator for Wagina parish.
On Sunday 3rd September, the participants led the Liturgy for the closing Mass with the theme; “We are Family”. An awareness talk and role play in the native Kiribati language for the elders, parents and youth was held after the Eucharistic celebration. On Monday 4th September, 2006, 60 staff and students from the Wagina Community High School listened attentively to the causes and effects of Domestic Violence, Child Abuse & Child Sexual Abuse and hints to overcome these problems as future fathers and mothers. Staff and students were also told to get accurate and correct information on the pandemic HIV & AIDS.
Solomons has a population of 450,000 50% under 18 years of age. Unemployment is widespread and also crime and abuse of drugs and alcohol. To tackle these social problems the Catholic community works with state institutions and organisations in the field of education and training. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/9/2006 Righe: 229 Parole: 291)
