Empowerment Program for GS Lay Mission Partners in Myanmar

Empowerment Program for GS lay mission partners was conducted from 12 to 18 October 2019 in Loikaw, Kayah State. The session was conducted around theme: “JUST LOVE.” 25 lay partners from Yangon, Magyikwin, Mandalay, Tachileik and Loikaw actively participated. The facilitators of this program include Srs. Felicitas, Jennifer, Teachers Agnes, Gennie and Lucia.

Sr. Jennifer led awareness raising in relation to gender equality.  By sharing their reflection on local and global situation on gender inequality, the lay partners entered a deep concern for the women and children who are exposed to gender-based violence in the society. Lucia shared the role of lay mission partners in GS mission and the rights of children. This helped our lay partners to realize the important role of lay mission partners in GS mission and understand the rights of children in order to ensure child safeguarding in child protection mission.

Teacher Agnes talked about the quality and skill necessary for teaching using group activities and sharing of their own experience in relation to teachers in their childhood. They learned how to help children creatively keeping in mind the positive attitude towards children who have been exposed to violence and trauma in family and society. Sr. Felicitas facilitated the group with process approach to reflect and share on their childhood experiences. With this activity, they came to understand the root of attitudes and values which usually affect the way we relate towards children in mission. Moreover, Sr. Felicitas discussed the process of building relationship based on attachment theory and safeguarding policy to ensure the children they are dealing each live secure and safe environment. Teacher Gennie shared ecology and the care for the mother earth.

The participants also went for a day of outing in White Elephant Mountain and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. For the closing ceremony, they presented a story based on the life of St Mary Euphrasia, St. John Eudes and the reality of our ministries with women and children.

We are very grateful to God, our benefactors, all the sisters who prayed for the success of our session and our lay mission partners who participated the session and contributed their resources for women and children in our mission.