Bits of the Gospel

Cottolengo Sisters Collaborate with Cottolengo Fathers in Youth Ministry at Kisarawe Parish. In our parish, many challenges affect the young generation. One of the emerging challenges is the lack of interest in spiritual and welfare activities organized by the Youth Ministry Team of the Parish. Generally, there is indifference to most activities which are of educative and spiritual nature. Most of the youth love to participate in the activities that are more entertaining and relaxing than whatever calls for attention, focus, and commitment. We have started a new approach, which organizes activities for the small faithful group in order to attract the few who seem uninterested and unwilling to take part. Meanwhile, the team is continuing the one-on-one encounters with the youth hoping to help them revive their enthusiasm for matters spiritual. The approach of Jesus in encountering the Samaritan woman remains our point of reference. [Have a look at John 4]

These young people decided to sit down and make a serious evaluation of their lives. It was a very moving experience. While some thought that no one was to blame for their predicament, others said the task at hand was to look for a solution to the precarious situation of the youth in the Church today. Meanwhile, everyone was called to look into his life and see how and what he/she can contribute to better the image of the young people today. The task is lasting. We hope and pray that the will to face it remains even more lasting.

Nothing is as effective in building people's self-esteem as success. It even has the power to begin reversing negative self-image. Self-esteem cannot grow healthily without some success to nurture it. A sense of success grows slowly in children, since they are prone to feeling inadequate around adults. To help children [and those who are adult-children] succeed, create situations where failure is least likely. It also helps if you can be alert to their fear, embarrassment, and likely areas of failure. You will learn to notice their hesitancy in such areas. Rather than pushing them or forcing them, follow their lead, support and encourage what they want to do, use whatever motivation is present. Instead of trying to change their focus of interest, you might look for ways of supporting that interest. often that very interest will supply a way to the desired successful learning and growth. Then assure them that you pray and long for their success!It works well every time, and best w...

There is a lot of talk on the importance of education for all. The Kenyan government took up an ambitious task of educating its populace in the year 2003. President Kibaki had been voted overwhelmingly even because he had promised free primary and secondary education for all. The announcement that education would be free was received with mixed reactions. Some people felt that it was a project bound to flop. Others applauded the move and even went ahead to pledge support. Years after that enthusiastic reception, we have many children out of school. Reason. Simple. You can not provide education without first of all providing the other basic needs. Mwandiki is an orphan. He is the typical case of the poor of this country. He has no one and nobody at all. He has been in the streets of Meru town for several years. When he showed up in a children's home, he was accepted on condition that he would follow the rules and regulations of the centre. Having lived free and loose with the sky as...

We are in the first week of August. I am busy in the computer room preparing an IT exam for my class. Then comes Aun and Ronnie [not their real names]. They want my attention immediately because, apparently, their problem can't wait. 'Alright, tell me something folks,' I start the conversation after saving my work and sitting down near them. 'We need your help,' Aun starts. 'I was talking to Ronnie about my own fears for the imminent computer applications exam and coincidentally he too had the same fears. We thought of coming to see you immediatelly. We felt you may help in calming down the waters!' From the look of things, the two girls are serious. I study their faces to make sure that I am not simply being too linient. 'Ok. I see your worry. How may I help you then?' 'I think that you don't need our help there,' comes Ronnie. 'We seriously feel that we will fail this exam terribly,' adds Aun. 'Am I right to say that you jus...