Fr. Likoko, a Kenyan Priest of the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, is the administrator of the Parish in Miya Community. He was the one that organised and hosted the programme. He did a lot of publicity for the programme among the youths of the community. He did not stop at that, but went on to arrange for feeding and accommodation for any young person that attended the programme. We sincerely appreciate him for the kind gesture.
The unit of the SELL programme that was explored with the Youths was the Leadership Unit. Many insights emerged from the interactive forum; some participants said they have acquired some skills for effective leadership, others said that they have learnt as leaders to pass messages effectively, some said they feel challenged to promote justice wherever they find themselves.
One of the sessions in the Leadership unit of the SELL Programme is on Sexuality and Sexual Health. The purpose is to make participants see the need to care for themselves and stay healthy,and to also challenge language that is stigmatising of people who are suffering from different ailments, especially those living with HIV/AIDS. After the session on Sexuality and Sexual Health, participants said that in the past, they have not taken the issue of personal hygiene seriously but having attended the SELL Programme, they have learnt to consider their personal health first before other issues.
Participants at the forum were 32 and the facilitators were Mary and Moses. Hilary the newest person on the team went with Moses and Mary to take part in the programme and to support them as well.
On Saturday 12th May 2012, another SELL Programme took place in Gombe state, Nigeria. Jonathan a member of the SELL Resource Team went there to deliver the programme and he did the work with James and Clifford who are members of the SELL team in Gombe.
The programme was on Life Choice Retreat and it was for the students of St. Peter’s Anglican School Gombe. 30 students who were leaders of the school were in attendance.
The workshop in Gombe started at 10am and closed at 4.30pm
Sessions explored were focused on helping young people make choices in their life around:
1. Self Awareness
2. Personal growth and development
3. Self esteem
4. Friendship and relationships
5. Sex education, sexuality and sexual health.
The students appreciated the opportunity to discuss such life shaping issues in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. They wished that they would get more of such opportunities.
An organisation in Bauchi town called Insp.Lift, came to our office and requested to share with us an overview of what their organisation is about. They honoured our invitation to come on Wednesday 16th May 2012.
The persons that came from Insp.Lift were Bem and Jerry, The input they gave us was on laws of money, beliefs about money and on spending plan. They said their programme deals with how to invest and increase one’s income and also having an organised spending plan. The programme lasted an hour and it was a useful time spent together.
Upcoming events
A training of Facilitators for the SELL programme is coming up on the 24th – 27th of May 2012 in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria. Young person that are taking part at the training are drawn from Minna, Bauchi and Abuja, Nigeria. Moses and Jonathan will be the trainers.
On the 25th – 27th May 2012, a SELL Programme is going to take place in Jalingo, Taraba state, Nigeria.
Want to wish the two groups mentioned above success with the work.
On the 19th May 2012, Leo one of the Resource persons to the SELL Programme will celebrate his birthday, the entire SELL Family are wishing him long life and many happy returns.
Thank you for staying with us, I look forward to bringing you updates of the SELL programme again next week.
Maria Dagogot,
Communication Desk, SELL