by Susan D’CostaKUWAIT, NOV 28, 2018: Students from standard nine to twelve from the parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Kuwait attended an awareness session, entitled ‘Crossroads’ on November 22, which dealt with issues like peer pressure, choices, problems faced by teenagers.
The session was aimed at making youth aware of the many hurdles they may face as they go out into the world for higher studies either to their homeland or elsewhere, and to ensure that the teens are armed with the knowledge of what difficulties await and how to combat them, in order to feel free, happy and secure. 100 students participated in the programme.
The event was organised by the Salesian Cooperators of the Kuwait Unit under the guidance of their Rector Father Derrick Misquita, who inaugurated the event by welcoming the students and the speakers.
“Have a nice day, enjoy yourself and don’t forget to thank the Cooperators, the resource persons, and your parents,” Father Misquita said.
Father Lionel Braganza, Principal of the Don Bosco school, addressed the youth, and said,” Run, jump, talk and laugh. If you don’t run, jump, talk and laugh, then you are just like the ordinary human being, just come to occupy space.”
Eminent speakers were invited to address the august gathering. Doctor Navniit Gandhi, enlightened the children on values of true friendship. In her eloquent style, coupled with her long-standing experience as an educator, she brought home the importance of humane experience in every relationship. "You may be having ‘N’ number of friends but only on social media. Befriend people who you trust and have at least one true friend in whom you can confide," Doctor Gandhi said, wishing the children a bright future.
Christopher Pereira, a member of the Salesian Cooperators, introduced creative and innovative methods in choosing one’s career. He put forth the point that nobody can decide for you what you choose to do in life, they may suggest, but at the end of the day, it is up to each one to decide their goal in life.
Joelle Nasr made the teens aware of all the difficulties faced by students moving out to study further in another country. She explained in a very subtle manner the harsh facts that students could face, example food, studies, peer pressure, money issues, and making the right friends who are genuine and care for you.
Father Blany Pinto, the Parish Priest of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church, informed the students how God is important in their lives. “Scripture tells us about how God bonds the communication between us and Him. We sort out our problems by praying to God. Do your best and surrender to God and God will see that you get the best. Give God the first place,” Father Pinto said.Sam Francis, a member of the Salesian Cooperators brought together a panel of youth who went out of Kuwait for further studies, to share their bad and good experiences. The main points were: make good friends, keep in touch with your family, join youth groups attached to the church, stop eating junk and eat healthy, be in touch with God and Scripture by reading the Holy Bible and attend Sunday mass.
He also put forward very gently the sensitive topic related to ‘Good touch and bad touch’ for both boys and girls.
“This session was very spiritual, encouraging, optimistic and with a depth of knowledge. These sessions really help in various ways and this was the best. Thank you and keep us amazed, ” Sephanie Figueredo, a student of class 11 said.
“The course helped me to deal with the present problems faced by teens. It has made my ideas on many issues more clear. I will now be able to make better choices at this stage of my life,” Gaynelle Morais from standard 10 said.