Anglican Diocesan Mothers’ Union hosts parenting workshop

A three-day parenting programme facilitators’ training workshop, put on by the Anglican Diocesan Mothers’ Union, got underway here Tuesday, May 17, at the Anglican Pastoral Centre.{{more}}

The purpose of the training workshop was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct parenting groups in their communities, according to Sheran Harper, Mothers’ Union World Wide Trainer.

Sixteen persons from Grenada, St Lucia and host St Vincent and the Grenadines participated in the workshop, which organizers hope will help parents and caregivers to build long, lasting and fulfilling relationships.

Upon successful completion and certification, participants will begin forming parenting groups within their communities.

“For too long our children have suffered and even more horrifying today is the sexual, physical and emotional abuse they endure,” Harper said.

“This is not the kind of future we want for our children,” she continued.

Elizabeth St. Ange, Diocesan Mothers’ Union President said that long gone were the days when the community took responsibility for raising children.

“We know the problems we face in the 21st Century – drug abuse, sex, disrespect, rowdiness, tormenting and bullying,” she said.

But St. Ange contended that it was important to maintain good relations with neighbours; not only to ensure that the communities are clean and members courteous, but because it also ensures the welfare of children.

St. Ange further contended that the welfare of children was of paramount importance.

The programme was launched at a time when the provincial focus is on the family and the Bishop of the Windward Islands the Right Reverend Leopold Friday was commended for taking on the task of addressing issues that affect family life.

“Over the years, family life in our territories has deteriorated,” Friday said.

He contended that this has been attributed to poor parenting skills, which he said emphasized the significance of the parenting programme, since parenting was essential to good family life.

“The importance of good parenting cannot be overemphasized,” the Bishop explained.

He said that parenting fostered communion and fellowship and provided the foundation as the school of social life.

Minister of National Mobilization, Social Development etc. Frederick Stephenson, in his presentation at the opening ceremony, challenged participants to take the training seriously.

He added that there were good parents and some not so good ones in our societies, but now the challenge was for all parents to strive to do better.

The workshop ended on Friday, May 20. (DD)