RSSMandalay, Myanmar (UCAN) — Needy young people got a chance to share their faith, and gain knowledge and skills from a Church-run “higher education” program.
Presently 36 youngsters from Mandalay, Hakha, Lashio, Myitkyina and Banmaw enrolled in the Mandalay Archdiocesan Three Year Residential Course of Higher Education for Youth Empowerment.
The program was launched on Feb. 15 with the support of Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng of Mandalay and the cooperation of laypeople.
These youngsters, all Catholics, are staying at St. John’s Youth Center with the archdiocese providing facilities. All come from poor families in villages, have finished school but were unable to study further because of financial constraints.
The program is specifically designed to help participants develop a deeper understanding of the faith, build a faith based community and help them become educated and faith-filled leaders in the future. They study social analysis, health care, computer and Internet, English, moral values, and how to conduct interreligious dialogue.
Marcus Nyi Nyi Tun, the English language teacher told UCA News that this program gives poor students a “chance to fulfill their dream.”
Noel Ying Saung, 20, a student from Lashio diocese told UCA News that “this program gives me hope for the future as I can’t afford to go to university.”
Saung has five siblings and he is the eldest. His father is not in good health and so Saung had to work before joining this program.
Columban Naw Lawt, 21, from Myitkyina diocese, is very eager to share his knowledge with others.
“I’m interested in English and computers so this program fulfills my dream and God listens to my prayers.”
Charles David from Mandalay archdiocese said he appreciates the program because “I can understand others more and improve my social skills.”
Helen Naw Naw Shio, 17, wants to study hard and work for her Banmaw diocese which she said has “many needs.”
This education program is the first Church-run long term program in Upper Myanmar benefiting young people.
MY09067/1592 March 10, 2010 33 EM-lines (325 words)
Diocese plans more support for mission schools
Education Becomes Two-way Street For Cyclone Survivor
Church-run Center Helps Youths With Computer, Language Skills
Share
Twitter