Seven more better equipped with parenting skills

An additional seven persons, this time from the Parish of St. James, Layou and St. Mary, Buccament have followed in the footsteps of six women and two men from St. Paul, Calliaqua{{more}} and are now better equipped with parenting skills, having graduated as part of the Mothers’ Union Worldwide Parenting Programme of the Anglican Archdeaconry.

To date five such programmes have been completed the initial training and over the next few weeks there will be other graduation exercises by two parenting groups from Kingstown and Sandy Bay.

Persons have been equipped through participatory learning to develop their parenting skills, build relationships and contribute to the stability of family life in society. This mirrors the objects or core values which are at the heart of the Mothers’ Union, namely: To uphold Christ’s’ teaching on the nature of marriage, and to promote its wider understanding; To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church; To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service; To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children; To help those whose family life has met with adversity.

Mothers’ Union parenting groups provide an opportunity for grandparents, parents and caregivers alike to meet in a supportive environment, share issues and challenges and benefit from participatory learning. The objectives of the programme are to: Establish community support networks of teams to encourage parents in their role; Empower parents to respond to the process of growth and development of their children; Support families and communities to respond positively to the social challenges of parenting.

Participants continue to express the positive impact of the Parenting Programme on their lives and relationships with children, relatives and others. Through networking, participants have also benefited from tangible support.

The second leg of the programme is due to begin in late May and persons are encouraged to be part of the programme or invite persons in their communities to do so. Application forms will be available from the facilitators.

The programme is open to all parents, grandparents and care givers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Persons seeking additional information can telephone 495-7827 or 457-1942.

The graduation ceremony was held at the St. Mary Anglican Church, Buccament on April 30, with chief celebrant and preacher at the Holy Eucharist, The Very Rev’d Ulric Smith.